Rai Captures Maiden Major With PGA Championship Victory
Aaron Rai captured the first major championship of his career following a three-shot victory at the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Rai carded a five-under-par round of 65 to finish at nine under for the tournament and become the first Englishman to win the trophy in over 100 years. “It is very surreal. It has been a frustrating season, so being standing here is outside of my wildest imagination,” said Rai. Rai, who started the final round two shots off the lead, birdied the first hole; however, he would card three bogeys and just one birdie over the next seven holes. The 31-year-old would turn his fortunes around with an eagle at the ninth, before birdies at 11 and 13 put him in pole position to win the tournament. Rai would card another birdie on the Par 5 16th hole before a monster 69 ft putt on the 17th all but sealed the title. Two-time major winner Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley led the chasing pack at six under, while Justin Thomas, Ludvig Aberg and Matthias Schmid finished at five under par. Rory McIlroy was unable to catch fire in the final round, with the six-time major winner finishing tied for eight at four under.
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Rai entered Sunday two strokes back of the leader and didn't play particularly well to begin his final round. Then, he hit a shot that changed everything.
