Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy paired together at US Open

McIlroy, Lowry and Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose are part of a grouping which will go out early on Thursday and late on Friday. 

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry played the back nine at Oakmont together on Wednesday. Pic: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy’s bid to rediscover his form at this week’s US Open may have been given a significant boost as organisers paired him with close friend Shane Lowry in a dream grouping for Irish fans over the first two days at Oakmont.

The duo were among the first players on the course on Wednesday morning as they played the back nine together and got a look at the notorious rough. Shortly before the end of their practice, the USGA confirmed that they will be spending a lot more time together this week.