McIlroy and Lowry continue to share lead at PGA Tour team event in New Orleans

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry share the lead with three teams after the second round of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.

The Irish pair picked up a bogey and two birdies on the front and back nine to finish the day 13 under par during the alternate play round.

McIlroy said about partner Lowry after the day's play: "Shane has got a wonderful short game, and it gives me confidence going for those greens whether it be the par-4s or the par-5s that if I get it anywhere up there around the green, I'm going to have a very good look for birdie after he hits his.

Lowry said he improved during the day after missing close shots on the 18th and second hole.

"I started to get a little bit into myself, but to roll that one in (fourth hole) was nice, and to play the last few holes the way we did was really nice too," Lowry said.

The pair are tied with the teams of England's Aaron Rai and American David Lipsky, as well as Davis Thompson and Andrew Novak and Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard, with six teams just one shot behind the leaders.

Rai said he and Lipsky opted for caution considering the tough pin placements but hoped to be more aggressive over the weekend.

"I think we were definitely a little more on the conservative side, and I think the conditions played a part in doing that in some tough pin positions, but we hit some good shots out there," he said.

"Some really good up-and-downs. Dave made some great putts just to keep the momentum going. So we stuck in there really well today and hit some good shots when we needed to. I think anything under par today is a pretty good score."

"I think it's a little bit dependent on the conditions tomorrow," Lipsky said. "It's supposed to be a little breezy, but four-ball is the day you make up ground, make a ton of birdies and try to give yourself a little bit of a cushion. I think that's our main focus."

The teams will play the best ball on Saturday and finish with alternate shot once again on Sunday.