US President Donald Trump he had some encouragement for Rory McIlroy while enjoying the Irish Open over the weekend.
It wasn't to be for defending champion McIlroy in Doonbeg as Shane Lowry claimed glory instead.
Trump presented Lowry with the trophy following his record win but also had time to congratulate McIlroy.
A video has emerged from Saturday evening showing Trump on a balcony throwing up a fist pump as McIlroy walked off after completing his round.
The two-time Masters champion endured a mixed week.
After back-to-back 69s to start, McIlroy tumbled down the leaderboard with a 74 on Saturday.
He rallied to a 67 on Sunday to finish T41 and is hoping for better things to come this year.
McIlroy now heads to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth feeling there were plenty of positives.
Speaking after his final round on Sunday, he said: âÂÂIâÂÂve seen enough good stuff this week to give me encouragement.
âÂÂI donâÂÂt feel too far away.
âÂÂIâÂÂve got next week, and India. Hopefully, we play two events in the Middle East, so four opportunities to play well and get myself in contention, get myself a little cushion at the top of the Race to Dubai.
âÂÂThere were a couple of destructive shots, a couple of bad decisions off the tees yesterday, but overall, iron play was a lot better.âÂÂ
However, he knows that it was on Saturday that everything went wrong, adding: âÂÂI felt like I was within touching distance going into yesterday, and then just that bad start didnâÂÂt give me any chance of contending after that.
âÂÂI was just trying to salvage something today. Yesterday wasnâÂÂt a great day, but today was better.ÃÂ
âÂÂI hit some good shots, saw a couple of putts drop in, which was nice, and at least it gives me encouragement going into next week.
âÂÂIt was just a struggle on the greens, and that was the big reason why I wasnâÂÂt able to get myself into contention.âÂÂ
Big day for Lowry
While it wasn't to be for McIlroy, it was a glorious weekend for Lowry.
The Irishman claimed his home open title for the second time in his career, 17 years after his first.
He was magnificent as he won by 11 shots to set a new record for the largest winning margin in the tournament.
It has been a difficult year for Lowry, who was very emotional in his post-match interview.
He said: "This year has been quite difficult on the course for me.
"I've had a few chances to win and I took some really tough times.
"To come here this week and do this, come on. I don't do things by half measures. I can't believe I'm standing here. That leaderboard, oh my god.
"I said to my caddie I didn't know how I was doing... I said, 'How are we doing? How far ahead are we?' He said, 'Far enough'.
"So I was happy with that and a lot of things went right for me, but this has been the most spectacular week⦠everything about it, it's just mad. I can't believe it."