Aaron Rai has become the first Englishman in over a century to win the PGA Championship after a sensational final round of 65 saw him finish on -9 for the week, winning his first major title by three shots. In a competition filled with big hitters and even bigger names, Rai’s controlled approach saw him outlast his opponents to secure a historic victory at Aronimink.
Heading into the final round, Rai was tied for second place with four others, including two-time Major winner, John Rahm, as well as world number 15, Ludvig Aberg. The leader of the pack was Alex Smalley, who’s potential victory would have given him his first ever win on the PGA Tour, let alone a major triumph. But, with a chasing pack that included a red hot Rory McIlroy, and the 2024 PGA Championship winner, Xander Schauffele, Rai remained the calmest man on the course when the pressure was at its peak.
Rai’s golf improved throughout the week, and that was reflected in his score. His 65 in the final 18 holes was his best of the four rounds, with each day being better than the last, and his final 10 holes being the best he played all week given the circumstances. The Englishman’s five under final round was bettered only by Kurt Kitayama, who shot 63 to tie the lowest ever final round in major championship history. Fortunately for Rai, though, Kitayama was not amongst those competing for top spot.
In a crowded leaderboard, Rai stood out as the man who dealt with the pressure the best. It wasn’t the smoothest of starts as the 31-year-old gave himself plenty of work to do, shooting one over par after eight holes, and trailing the lead by three shots, having started the day just two behind. But an Eagle on the ninth rejuvenated him and kick started the ten holes that would change his life. A 40-foot putt swung the momentum back his way, taking him above some huge names such as McIlroy, Schauffele and Rahm, and back into second place.
An impressive up and down on the 10th kept Rai within one shot of the lead but it was his birdie on the 11th which gave him the co-lead, alongside Matthias Schmid. Another up and down, this time from the bunker, on the 13th, gave Rai a birdie to take what was now a solo lead to two shots. From there he didn’t look back. A tap-in birdie on the 16th restored his two shot lead, after he came within inches of an Eagle following a stunning approach shot onto the green. The 17th hole, however, was the highlight of Rai’s Sunday, and of the entire tournament. Still leading by two, Rai drained a 70-foot birdie putt which was met with roars from the crowd and his caddie, Jason Timmis. But the coolest man at Aronimink Golf Club was once again Rai himself. Despite the fact he had just extended his lead to three shots on the 71st hole of a major championship with a 70-foot bomb, he was cool, calm and collected. A par on the 18th confirmed his 65 for the day, taking him to nine under for the week and winning him his first major.
The most unlikely of champions, Rai is an unorthodox player with his two gloves, iron covers and a different setup and swing than what we are used to. But that didn’t stop the Englishman from shocking the world of golf with an incredible victory. Some may not like the things that make him different to most pros, and many were hoping for a big name winner once again, but this underdog story is great for the game of golf. Aaron Rai proved that any player who plays their game, and sticks to their style, can go into a major with a chance at victory.