Rahm had set a testing clubhouse target of 16-under-par following a stunning final round of 62 on Sunday, the former U.S. Open champion carding two eagles and seven birdies and covering the back nine in just 29 despite a bogey on the 15th.

However, Lowry responded with an eagle and five birdies of his own in a closing 65 to finish 17-under, the former Open Champion not carding a single bogey in a tournament reduced to 54 holes following the cancellation of Friday's play after the death of the Queen.

McIlroy found himself needing to eagle the 18th to force a play-off with Lowry but agonisingly saw his putt from 23 feet finish millimetres right of the hole.

"I wanted to win for myself first and foremost, but for everyone that has stayed loyal to this Tour, I really feel this is one for the good guys." - Shane Lowry.

The tournament had featured 18 players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series – American Talor Gooch was the contingent’s top finisher in fourth – and Lowry had said at the start of the week that he "can't stand" them being in the field.

"I made no secret how I feel about the whole thing," Lowry said.

"I wanted to win for myself first and foremost, but for everyone that has stayed loyal to this Tour, I really feel this is one for the good guys."

Lowry, who had finished runner-up to McIlroy at Wentworth in 2014, added: "It means a lot.

"It's been a good year, but felt like I've been close a few times and only a few tournaments left this season and I really wanted to win one and this was top of the list.

"I'm so happy. I can't put into words how happy I am, how much I love this Tour, this tournament. I'm the happiest man in the world right now."

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A disappointed McIlroy, who carded a closing 67, said: "I'm okay. I think Shane winning softens the blow.

"If it had been someone else, I might not have felt as comfortable with it as I am. Seeing a friend win is always great and I am really happy for him."

Any hopes of a last-day Australian charge never materialised as veteran Scott Hend's 67 saw him finish on top of the pile in joint-32nd place on nine-under.

Min Woo Lee (70), Adam Scott (69), Maverick Antcliff (70) and Jason Scrivener (73) all finished a shot further back on eight under.