Shane Lowry believes that his top-ten finish at the PGA Championship was another reminder that he has the capability to win a second major title - even if his final-day challenge did falter at Valhalla as American Xander Schauffele ended his long wait for one of golf's top honours.
The Offaly man had hit an incredible 62 in round three, only the fourth golfer to ever go that low in a major, but despite a bright start, Lowry had to be content with a final-day 70, leaving him tied for sixth and some seven shots adrift of eventual champion Schuaffele, who required a 72nd-hole birdie to avoid a play-off with Bryson DeChambeau.
Lowry has spoken about winning more majors. Not only for himself, but for his entire circle and he is confident that he can still do that.
"It’s something my family, my friends, my wife, my kids... I just want to be able to celebrate good times with them.
"I don’t want it to be all doom and gloom. Look, it’s not a doom and gloom week, by no means, I go back and I dust myself off.
"I’ve got a couple of tournaments between now and Pinehurst [US Open] to get ready for that.
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"I'm excited for the summer; I started out at the start of the year... I’m 37 this year and when you turn 37 you feel like you’re getting on a little bit, all these young lads coming out here and hitting the ball miles, they’re really good – some bit of doubt creeps in.
"But I’ve definitely showed myself this week and this year that I still have what it takes.
"I’ve been in the last two groups five times this year so far on Sunday, so that’s a good place to be.
"It’s good golf and it’s good momentum going into the summer so I really hope I can build on that."
"I hope this is the sign of things to come for the next few months"
Lowry made headlines in round three with a sizzling 62 after his putter caught fire, sparking memories of his famous third round in the sun in Portrush back in 2019 that laid the foundations for his Open success.
Saturday’s score at Valhalla matched the mark initially set by Branden Grace in the 2017 Open, which was equalled by Rickie Fowler and Schauffele in the opening round of last year’s US Open and achieved again by Schauffele on Thursday.
The brilliance of those 18 holes lost some of its shine as he was unable to complete the job, Lowry admitted.
"It’s nice to do that but I don’t know where I hang that up.
"It’s one of those where you come here to play 72 holes, you try not to judge your week by one round.
"I came here with maybe not a whole lot of confidence, I always think I can do well when I come to tournaments like this, and to play my way into the week and to find my putting like I did, I hope this is the sign of things to come for the next few months."
Schauffele held his nerve to birdie the last hole for a winning total of 21 under par, the lowest score in relation to par in major championship history.
The 30-year-old had held a three-shot lead after also equalling the lowest single-round score for a second time with a stunning opening 62, but came into the final round tied with two-time major winner Collin Morikawa.
He was two ahead going into the back nine but a clumsy bogey on the par-five 10th opened the door for Viktor Hovland and DeChambeau. The latter holed from 10 feet for birdie on the 18th to join Schauffele on 20 under before Hovland three-putted failed to convert from the same distance and also missed the par putt.
Schauffele bravely saved par from right of the 17th green but was unfortunate to see his drive on the last stop just short of a fairway bunker, leaving him with a hugely awkward stance. With both feet in the sand, he hit a superb shot short of the green, pitched up to six feet and held his nerve to hole the winning putt for his first major title.
"I was actually kind of emotional after the putt lipped in," Schauffele said. "It's been a while since I've won and I kept saying it all week, I just need to stay in my lane.
"Man, was it hard to stay in my lane today, but I tried all day to just keep focus on what I’m trying to do and keep every hole ahead of me. Had some weird kind of breaks coming into the house, but it’s all good now."
He continued: "I really didn’t want to go into a play-off against Bryson. It would have been a lot of work. I just told myself, this is my opportunity, just capture it.
"I am very satisfied. I’m tired. Once I sat down in scoring, I felt a little bit more tired. But just a whirlwind of emotions.
"I knew I had to birdie the last hole, looking up at the board. It was a hectic birdie, as well, but it was awesome. I kept telling myself, I need to earn this, I need to prove this to myself and this is my time."
Meanwhile, it was a familiar major story for County Down's Rory McIlroy, who fell to number three in the world rankings, with Schauffele moving into second behind Scottie Scheffler after his win.
McIlroy played some brilliant golf but his putter let him down at key times as he finished in a tie for 12th on 12-under par, nine shots off the pace.
"That six-hole stretch on the back nine yesterday, not being able to hole any putts, I'll probably rue that. Then the 71 on Friday, as well, was obviously not what I was looking for. Obviously put myself too far back.
"Overall playing solid, game is in good shape and I’ve got a week off and then another busy stretch coming up."
Asked about the state of his game following back-to-back wins before the US PGA, McIlroy added: "Yeah, I’m feeling good about that.
"I’ve been on a big stretch of golf here. I think this was my sixth event in seven weeks. I’ve got a week off and then I’m playing another four in a row.
"I’m feeling good about my game. I feel like things are sort of clicking more, especially after the win in New Orleans. Obviously played well last week in Charlotte. Have a week here to sort of reset and try to get going again."
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