Golf:Germany's Martin Kaymer won his first major title and American Dustin Johnson earned the sympathy of sports fans the world over, but Rory McIlroy could be the big winner from the dramatic ending to the US PGA Championship.
For the third time in 12 months, the 21-year-old finished tied for third in a major championship, missing out on a play-off by just one stroke to underline his reputation as the hottest new talent in golf.
Although he is still chasing his first win in a major, the experience of playing in the pressure-cooker atmosphere suggested his maiden victory was not far away.
"It's the first time I have been in contention in the last round of a major and going out in the second last group," the youngster from Co Down said. "I was feeling it on the first tee and it was a new experience for me and today will stand me in good stead in the future.
"I have put myself in position the last couple of majors. It is not a bad week but I would have liked a little bit better."
McIlroy, who was third at last year's PGA and again at last month's British Open at St Andrews, started the concluding round at Whistling Straits tied for second with Johnson, three shots behind overnight leader Nick Watney.
His final round of even-par 72 was his worst of the tournament but came on a day when the wind made low scoring difficult. Like all the players he had to scramble hard just to hold par and although he drove well after a shakey start, he had no luck with the putter, narrowly missing a handful of long-range attempts that might have given him the lead.
"It was just one of those days when I felt I hit good putts and nothing went in," he said. "I am sure I can look back and see where I could have picked up a few shots but it is a good learning week for me and one I can take the positives from and move one."
McIlroy, who won his first PGA title earlier this year, is already assured of a place in the European team for this year's Ryder Cup in Wales. He is planning to take next week off to recharge his batteries and prepare for the FedEx Cup playoffs. Any disappoinment at coming so close to winning has already been forgotten as he looks to the future.
"This is what we all want to do. It was great fun out there," he said. "I felt I handled myself well. I only finished one out of the play-off and a putt here or there. I feel in myself I am ready to win one."