Rory McIlroy has returned to the PGA Tour after winning the Masters and his compassionate support for Shane Lowry at last year’s Truist Championship shows his true character
(Image: Getty)
Rory McIlroy has made his return to the PGA Tour following his Masters triumph and is presently taking part in the Truist Championship.
During last year’s tournament, his genuine character shone through as he rallied behind close companion Shane Lowry.
McIlroy created history in April by becoming just the fourth golfer ever to secure consecutive victories at Augusta National. Following the Masters, he chose to miss the RBC Heritage, Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Cadillac Championship while taking a deserved rest.
The Northern Irishman’s hiatus concluded on Thursday as he began play at the Truist Championship, recording an opening round of bogey-free 70.
At the previous year’s event, McIlroy secured seventh place, though afterwards his focus swiftly shifted to monitoring how his colleague Lowry was faring. The Irishman remained in contention for victory until the 18th hole, with McIlroy demonstrating his loyalty as a friend through his encouragement.
Rory McIlroy with his head in his hands while watching Shane Lowry during the final round of the Truist Championship(Image: CBS)
McIlroy had only just captured his maiden Masters crown when he participated in the Truist 12 months earlier, and while he harboured hopes of defending the title he claimed in 2024, he ultimately placed seventh after posting 68 in the final round.
The 37 year old returned to the clubhouse upon finishing, yet remained to observe then-leader Sepp Straka compete against his friend Lowry. The duo entered the final round sharing the lead at 14 under and remained tied on the back nine approaching the 16th. But Lowry missed a par putt to bogey while Straka did not. Then, on 18, Lowry three-putted to finish tied for second with Justin Thomas and end up two shots off the eventual winner.
Shane Lowry of Ireland reacts to a putt on the 12th green during the final round of the Truist Championship 2025 at The Wissahickon at Philadelphia Cricket Club(Image: Getty)
In behind-the-scenes footage from CBS, McIlroy can be seen with his hands on his head after witnessing his mate fall short of first place, highlighting what a compassionate colleague he truly is.
McIlroy displayed further class by heading back out onto the course to offer his congratulations to Straka, who secured victory by two strokes. Following his own round, McIlroy revealed he intended to remain and watch Lowry complete his, commending his friend’s reliable showing.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot during a pro-am presented by Reliaquest prior to the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club(Image: Getty)
“I’ve seen a big difference in Shane since he started living here (Florida) full-time,” said McIlroy. “We practice and play together so much at home. Just the back-and-forth from Ireland is tough. Even this time of the year, it’s still hard to practice over there.
“I just feel like I’ve seen such a big improvement in his consistency week to week because of where he lives, being able to practice in great conditions on great golf courses, get in games with the likes of myself or whoever lives down in Jupiter. It’s been amazing as his friend to see him play so well and so consistently.”
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