England’s Aaron Rai secured his first major title by winning the US PGA Championship at Aronimink. Rai’s victory marks several firsts in his career, including his first major title and becoming the first Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy in over a century.
Rai’s Road to Victory
The 31-year-old Rai played with clarity and composure in Sunday’s final round on a course that proved challenging for many. Rai carded a five-under-par 65 to finish nine under overall. A 69ft putt on the 17th green helped clinch his victory.
Rai said that being stood there was outside of his wildest imagination. He mentioned it has been a frustrating season.
The Final Standings
Rai finished three shots clear of Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Alex Smalley, who ended up in joint second place. Justin Thomas, Ludvig Aberg, and Matthias Schmid tied for third, finishing five under. Thomas posted an early target after a five-under 65.
- Aaron Rai (Eng) -9
- Jon Rahm (Spa), Alex Smalley (US) -6
- Justin Thomas (US), Ludvig Aberg (Swe), Matthias Schmid (Ger) -5
Strategic Thinking Paid Off
Rai, known for his diligence, strategically plotted his way to victory. Keeping his ball on the fairway from the tee proved to be an effective tactic. After moving clear of the pack on seven under, it looked like a score which would not be caught.
All week long it felt like a strategic thinker would be the one to prevail. Rai stayed in the zone in what was by far the biggest moment of his career.
Rai has racked up a whole host of firsts after emerging from a bunched pack to win the US PGA Championship at a testing Aronimink. It helped Rai, who had never finished in the top 10 at a major.