Rory McIlroy was fully invested in his friend Shane Lowry's performance during the final round of the Truist Championship on Sunday.
The Northern Irishman saw his own title defence fall short, finishing six shots behind winner Sepp Straka after carding a round of 68.
Whilst McIlroy's challenge faded, Lowry remained in contention until the very end, eventually tying for second place after a costly three-putt on the 18th green.
The pair's friendship was evident throughout the tournament's dramatic conclusion.
Rory McIlroy was fully invested in his friend Shane Lowry's performance during the final round of the Truist Championship on Sunday
CBS
Behind-the-scenes footage captured McIlroy watching Lowry's crucial chip on the 15th hole from the scoring tent.
When Lowry's shot came agonisingly close to dropping in, McIlroy put both hands on his head in disbelief.
The newly-crowned Masters champion's reaction highlighted the strong bond between the two golfers.
Lowry's near-miss on the 15th could have significantly improved his chances of securing victory.
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Rory McIlroy had been hoping close friend Shane Lowry would win the Truist Championship
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Instead, the Irishman had to settle for a share of second place as Straka claimed the title.
Lowry's disappointment was evident as he declined to speak with media following the tournament.
The 38-year-old missed out on what would have been his first individual PGA Tour victory since winning The Open Championship six years ago.
His tie for second place does, however, continue his impressive form this season.
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McIlroy demonstrated his sportsmanship after Straka's two-stroke victory was confirmed.
The Northern Irishman made a point of going onto the course to congratulate the Austrian winner.
During their exchange, McIlroy reminded Straka that "at least this win counts for Ryder Cup points".
This gracious gesture came despite McIlroy's own disappointment at failing to defend his title.
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Both McIlroy and Lowry will now turn their attention to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow this week.
McIlroy has an impressive track record at the North Carolina course hosting this year's tournament.
Lowry, meanwhile, will be aiming to improve on his fourth-place finish at the PGA Championship in 2021.
The Clara-born golfer has shown excellent form this season with top-10 finishes at several events including the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Valspar Championship and now the Truist Championship.
Rory McIlroy was unable to win the Truist Championship weeks on from his Masters triumph
ReutersStraka's victory at the Truist Championship earned him a substantial £2.7million prize.
The 32-year-old Austrian may now fancy his chances at the PGA Championship following this confidence-boosting win.
"I hit a lot of really good shots and made a lot of mistakes," Straka reflected after his triumph.
"I hung in there. I had a two-shot lead [at the turn] and made two bogeys on the next two holes to lose it, but I kept the same attitude and mentality throughout the round."
