Irish golfer Shane Lowry refused to speak to the media after a disappointing finish at the Truist Championship on Sunday.
The Ryder Cup star had started the final round level with Austria's Sepp Straka but ultimately had to settle for tied second place.
Lowry, 38, shot a level par 70 whilst Straka fired an impressive 68 to win by two strokes.
The defeat extends Lowry's wait for an individual tournament victory, having not claimed a title since the BMW PGA Championship in September 2022.
Shane Lowry missed out on victory at the Truist Championship
Reuters
The 2019 Open champion reportedly declined all media requests following his round.
The key moment in Lowry's collapse came on the 16th hole when he missed a five-foot putt and made a bogey.
Straka, meanwhile, managed a par to take a one-shot lead with just two holes remaining.
Lowry's struggles continued as he carded another bogey in the final three holes, effectively surrendering his chance at victory.
The Irishman's disappointing finish saw him tied for second place alongside Justin Thomas on 14-under-par.
Straka capitalised on Lowry's mistakes to finish two shots clear at 16-under-par, claiming his fourth PGA Tour win.
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Lowry has now turned his attention to this week's PGA Championship, opting to process the defeat privately.
Following his victory, Straka revealed he had received a congratulatory message from Rory McIlroy.
"He told me at least this win counts for Ryder Cup points," Straka explained during his press conference.
The Austrian continued: "I've been kind of behind in the points because of that win at Amex not counting."
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Sepp Straka revealed what Rory McIlroy told him after his win
Reuters
"I knew that, if I just kept playing good golf, I would have a chance to be there. I'm sure this will probably help me out with the rankings a lot."
Straka expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Northern Irish star.
"Very grateful, and hopefully I can keep the good play going and keep getting some more points," he added.
Straka's triumph has propelled him to fifth in the Team Europe Ryder Cup rankings ahead of September's competition.
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Shane Lowry refused to speak to the media after finishing second
Reuters
His rise has knocked Ludvig Aberg out of the six automatic spots on Luke Donald's team.
McIlroy, who finished seventh at the Truist Championship, was returning as defending champion.
The Philadelphia Cricket Club hosted this year's event whilst Quail Hollow prepares for the PGA Championship starting Thursday.
McIlroy remained positive about his performance: "I didn't feel like I played all that well this week, I still finished seventh. Even what I feel is my bad golf, I'm still there or thereabouts."
The Masters champion will be seeking his sixth Major at Quail Hollow, a venue where he has previously triumphed four times.
