Rory McIlroy had nothing but kind words for Aaron Rai following the Englishman's stunning PGA Championship triumph on Sunday.
The Northern Irish star, who finished five shots behind the winner, made clear just how popular Rai is among his fellow professionals.
"You won't find one person on property who's not happy for him," McIlroy said.
It's a sentiment that speaks volumes about the 31-year-old, who claimed his maiden major title as a considerable outsider.
Aaron Rai won his first major title after claiming the PGA Championship
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Rai produced remarkably steady golf across all four rounds at the season's second major, finishing nine-under par to secure a three-shot victory over Alex Smalley and Jon Rahm.
The win was only his second on the PGA Tour, and it made him the first English golfer to lift the Wanamaker Trophy in over a century.
Rai's fellow competitors were quick to heap praise on the new champion, with many pointing to his character as much as his golf.
Jon Rahm, who shared second place, was particularly effusive about the winner's qualities off the course.
"I have heard consistently there's very few people that are nicer and kinder human beings than Aaron Rai," Rahm said. "What he did today is nothing short of special."
Rory McIlroy was among several golfers to send their congratulations to Aaron Rai
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Xander Schauffele echoed those sentiments, highlighting the dedication that goes unseen by most fans.
"I'm super happy for him, he's such a good dude," Schauffele said. "Aaron is always there. He's always in the gym. He's always on the range ... I think that's what it's about to be a major champion. You put the work in when nobody's looking."
Rai himself seemed almost overwhelmed by his achievement.
"To be here is outside my wildest imagination," he admitted.
While McIlroy was delighted for Rai, the result did put paid to his own dreams of achieving something truly historic.
Having won back-to-back Masters titles, the six-time major champion was the only player who could have completed a calendar grand slam this year.
"Of course, I was the only person that had a chance to do it...I've been the only person that's had a chance the last two years," McIlroy reflected.
Rory McIlroy said he was "the only one" in the last two years able to complete a calendar grand slam
| GETTYHe admitted the thought had briefly crossed his mind heading into Sunday's final round, but he's keeping things in perspective.
"I feel like I set pretty lofty goals but that one is bordering on unrealistic," he said.
Not even Jack Nicklaus, with his record 18 major victories, ever managed to win all four in a single calendar year.
| GETTYMcIlroy now turns his attention to next month's US Open in New York as he chases a seventh major title.