Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry shot 11-under 61 in the better-ball format Thursday at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

There aren't many firsts left for Rory McIlroy to achieve in his PGA Tour career, but he checked one off the list Thursday at TPC Louisiana. Making his debut appearance in the Zurich Classic, the 34-year-old looked like the seasoned veteran he is alongside Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry.

There is only one event on the PGA Tour where an opening-round score of 64 could land you in a tie for 20th, the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana. The course is not a pushover, but the tournament’s two-man team format combined with foursomes competition in the first round lends itself to seriously low scores.

Rory McIlroy will make his Zurich Championship debut this week, and no one should feel more honored by the four-time major champ's presence than teammate Shane Lowry. On the eve of the tournament, the tandem explained how their partnership came together on the heels of a victorious Ryder Cup—and a few beverages.

Since joining the PGA Tour in 2010, Rory McIlroy went on to achieve many prestigious titles in his professional career.