Rory McIlroy admitted that losing out to close friend Shane Lowry 'softened the blow' of coming up short at the BMW Championship at Wentworth.
Offaly man Lowry claimed victory on the last hole with a birdie but had to endure a nail-biting period as McIlroy's eagle putt to take the tournament to a play-off just missed.
Lowry, who did not drop a shot in any of the three rounds, had been edged out by McIlroy at the same venue in 2012.
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The pair shared a warm embrace after the final round with Lowry joking, "that's one all now". Lowry, who is expected to move into the world's top 20 as a result, added, "You've won enough anyway".
Lowry hit an eagle and five birdies in a closing 65 to finish 17 under, the former Open champion not carding a single bogey in a tournament reduced to 54 holes following the loss of Friday’s play after the death of the Queen.
"I made no secret how I feel about the whole thing,” Lowry said. “I wanted to win for myself first and foremost, but or everyone that has stayed loyal to this Tour I really feel this is one for the good guys.”
A disappointed McIlroy, who carded a closing 67, said: “I’m okay. I think Shane winning softens the blow.
“If it had been someone else, I might not have felt as comfortable with it as I am. Seeing a friend win is always great and I am really happy for him.
“I struggled today. I didn’t hit my irons very well. I was sort of scrambling a lot but I got the most out of my round.
“I wish I had made a four on 17, but, apart from that, I dug in there and did what I needed to do to give myself a chance going down 18 and that’s all you can ask for.”
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