McIlroy Hails Lowry's Resilience as Friend Storms to Irish Open Victory

Rory McIlroy paid tribute to Shane Lowry's resilience after his friend stormed to victory in the Amgen Irish Open. McIlroy, who finished 22 shots adrift of Lowry, revealed that they had 'heart-to-heart' conversations during some of the Offaly man's more challenging moments this season.

Lowry's crushing 11-stroke victory was a much-needed boost after a series of disappointing finishes earlier in the season. McIlroy praised Lowry's ability to power away from the field, saying 'form is temporary and class is permanent.'

McIlroy, who has based himself in Florida for most of his career, expressed his desire to one day return to the European Tour, where he made his name.