Rory McIlroy landed a $3million consolation prize after coming up short in Atlanta on Sunday.

The Irishman finished second to America’s Brandt Snedeker in the FedEx title race.

Snedeker won the Tour Championship and the $10million bonus for topping the FedEx rankings on a dramatic Sunday.

A wildcard for the US Ryder Cup team at Medinah this week, Snedeker picked up a whopping $11.5million for his weekend.

But McIlroy, who finished second in the FedEx rankings, was far from despondent ahead of Europe’s bid to retain the Ryder Cup.

He said: “I have to stay positive. It’s been a great year and I’ve had three wins starting at the PGA Championship.

“I knew if I won this week I won the whole thing, but Brandt knew the same thing and he did what he needed to do. He played fantastic out there.”