'Be kind' Shane Lowry comes out swinging for pal Rory McIlroy after difficult week
Shane Lowry had lept to the defense of golf pal Rory McIlroy in the wake of a gruelling 48 hours for the Down man.
Rory suffered a crushing defeat in what could have been his first major win in a decade despite a two-shot lead after bogeying three of the final four holes at the US Open on Sunday.
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The agony of the loss was written all over his face in footage from the tournament and Rory has since decided to take some time out.
Rory McIlroy. Pic: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
He spoke of wanting time to 'process' and 'rebuild' in the aftermath of the loss as he acknowledged that 'yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest day I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.'
After weeks of drama in his personal life that saw him make a u-turn on his divorce from wife Erica Stoll, Rory also likely considers it to be one of the most difficult months of his life.
The one person who has some insight into how he is feeling right now is fellow golfer Shane Lowry.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll. Pic: KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images
As the dust settled on Rory's defeat in the US Open he urged fans everywhere to 'be kind ' pointing out that the pressures of the game match the privilege of playing point per point.
He also shone a light on the burden Rory must be carrying on his shoulders. Shane said: 'From the outside looking in... this game is easy. but in reality, it's the worst game of all.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. Pic: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
'We are very fortunate to get what we do from this game but over the last 24 hours it's hit me. We do it for not only ourselves but for our family, friends and fans.
'What Rory has gone through is as tough as it gets in our game but I would like to encourage people if anything please be kind.'
His words resonated with supporters and players everywhere racking up tens of thousands of likes.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. Pic: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
For his part, Rory admitted that he will 'rue' some of his lost chances in the coming weeks but seems determined to move forward.
He said: 'As I always try to do, I'll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives. As I said at the start of this tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship that I ever have.'
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Rory McIlroy. Pic: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
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