AVONDALE, LA – April 26, 2025 – The Zurich Classic 2025, which concluded earlier today at TPC Louisiana, has been rocked by a shocking cheating scandal involving defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. The Irish duo, who fought their way into a dramatic team play-off against PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo, now face severe penalties after being exposed for using illegal technology during the sudden-death play-off. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the golf world, tarnishing McIlroy’s recent Masters 2025 victory and leaving fans in disbelief as the PGA Tour investigates the allegations.

The Zurich Classic, the PGA Tour’s only two-man team event, wrapped up its final round on April 27 with Salinda and Velo leading at 22-under after 72 holes, tied with McIlroy and Lowry, who staged a late comeback with a 9-under 63 in Saturday’s best-ball format and a solid alternate-shot performance on Sunday. The play-off, conducted in the alternate-shot format on the 18th hole, saw McIlroy and Lowry initially declared the winners after Salinda missed a crucial par putt. However, post-round analysis revealed that McIlroy had used a device embedded in his glove—a microchip sensor allegedly providing real-time swing data and green-reading analytics—violating PGA Tour Rule 4.3a, which prohibits the use of electronic devices for performance enhancement.

The scandal came to light when a member of the TPC Louisiana grounds crew, speaking anonymously to Golf Channel, reported seeing McIlroy adjust his glove suspiciously before his tee shot in the play-off. Subsequent footage review by PGA Tour officials confirmed the presence of the illegal technology, which McIlroy allegedly used to gain an unfair advantage in reading the green for Lowry’s final putt. Salinda and Velo, who had been gracious in defeat, were reinstated as champions shortly after the evidence surfaced, earning their first PGA Tour title, $1.329 million each, and 400 FedExCup points per player. McIlroy and Lowry, meanwhile, were stripped of their runner-up finish, fined $500,000 each, and now face a potential six-month suspension pending further investigation.

McIlroy, who had been celebrated for completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters just two weeks ago, issued a brief statement on X: “I deeply regret any misunderstanding. We believed the equipment was compliant, and I take full responsibility.” Lowry, visibly shaken during a press conference, added, “This is a tough day for us. We never intended to break any rules.” Fans on X have been vocal, with one user posting, “McIlroy and Lowry cheating at Zurich Classic? This is a disgrace!” Another wrote, “Salinda and Velo deserve this win—glad the truth came out.”

The PGA Tour has vowed a thorough investigation, with Commissioner Jay Monahan stating, “Integrity is the cornerstone of our sport. We will ensure justice is served.” The fallout from this scandal threatens to overshadow McIlroy’s recent triumphs and could impact his preparation for the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. For now, Salinda and Velo celebrate a hard-earned victory, while McIlroy and Lowry face an uncertain future as the golf world grapples with this stunning betrayal.