Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry proud of podium finishes at Augusta

“I don't think it just sets me up for next year, it sets me up for the rest of this year,” said McIlroy after his 64 rocketed him to a runner-up finish in the only major championship he’s never won.

BESTIES: Shane Lowry hugs caddie Brian Martin after a birdie on the 18th green on Sunday. 

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – If a week can possibly change Ireland’s frustrating history at the Masters, it was this one.

Rory McIlroy was giddier than any runner-up in Masters history, and his record-tying final round 64 capped by a hole-out birdie from the bunker on the last seemed to re-energise his long quest to complete the career Grand Slam and end his eight-year major drought. Shane Lowry accentuated the positives of his third-place effort.