Shane Lowry's hopes of a PGA Tour victory were dashed as he chipped into the water when leading at the 14th hole at the RBC Heritage Classic at Hilton Head.
The Offaly man was one shot ahead when reaching the par-3 14th hole, only to see his chance of a first victory since the 2019 British Open disappear into the alligator-infested waters on the Harbor Town course.
The cruel double-bogey eventually handed Lowry a closing 70 and to share third place, coming up one shot shy of making a play-off at 12-under-par.
A birdie at the last earned Jordan Spieth a play-off with Patrick Cantlay and it was Spieth who came out on top on the extra hole.
In the bigger picture, Lowry lost out on a second victory on US soil, a sixth pro career win but a first in 67 events since those memorable scenes three years ago at Royal Portrush.
The double of 14 sent Lowry back into a share of third place and a shot behind fellow Open champion Spieth.
Lowry struggled off the par-5 15th tee minutes later, sending his drive way right into the trees and managing to send his second around 120 yards.
He superbly managed to get himself onto the putting surface in three, ahead of two-putting for par.
He then missed a birdie putt on 17 and ended also with a par for his 69 and 12 under in total.
Earlier Graeme McDowell signed off for a final day 68, with the 2013 RBC Heritage champion finishing just outside the top 20 at eight-under.
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