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He may have finished third at the PGA Championship, two shots shy of Rory McIlroy’s 16-under winning total, but Rickie Fowler insists he is still proud of his performances in the majors this year.

The American closed out the year’s final major at Valhalla with a final round 68. Although he was disappointed not to claim his first major win, the 25-year-old remains pleased with his season’s work, having finished in the top five in all of this year’s majors.

“This is probably the one that hurts the most for me with the majors this year,” said the world No 13. “The first three were a lot of fun, and obviously to be in great positions and to get great finishes.

“It was pretty awesome through the majors and something I can look back on and be proud of.” – Rickie Fowler

“This one I felt like I could go out today and win it. I put myself in a good position. The back nine wasn’t what I was wanting.

“But still, to look back on the year, it was pretty awesome through the majors and something I can look back on and be proud of.”

Despite carding a three-under-par final round, the American admits he would like to have his approach shot to the 17th back if he could play just one shot again. A birdie there, and he believes things may have ended differently.

“I had a good number and just didn’t catch it clean and left it out to the right,” admitted Fowler.

“I had a good number to the left pin and I’m able to be aggressive with it. I make birdie there and have a chance to make three or four at the last, it’s a different story.”

Rickie Fowler magnanimous in defeat

Having pushed Rory McIlroy all the way in the Open at Royal Liverpool last month, you could forgive Rickie Fowler for being tired of seeing his Ryder Cup rival beating him to the finish line.

However, soon after finishing up at Valhalla, Fowler had nothing but praise for McIlroy.

“Rory played great this week, and he’s been a deserving champion last three tournaments,” said the former Wells Fargo champion.

“He’s playing quite good right now. best player in the world, hands down. We’ll see if we can sneak one away from him at some point.”