- BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Aaron Rai delivered a brilliant final-round performance on Sunday to win the PGA Championship, securing the first major title of his career in spectacular fashion.
The English golfer entered the back nine at Aronimink Golf Club trailing by three shots, but quickly turned the tournament around with a series of clutch moments. Rai ignited his charge with a remarkable 40-foot eagle putt on the par-5 ninth hole, beginning a dominant stretch where he needed just one putt on seven consecutive greens.
As the pressure intensified late in the round, Rai stayed composed while several top contenders struggled to capitalize. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele all remained in contention, but costly mistakes and missed birdie opportunities prevented them from overtaking the 31-year-old.
Rai sealed the victory in unforgettable fashion on the 17th hole, draining a long birdie putt from nearly 70 feet to widen his advantage and silence any hopes of a late comeback.
He finished with a superb 5-under-par 65, ending the tournament at 9-under 271 to capture the Wanamaker Trophy.
The triumph also marked a historic achievement, as Rai became the first English-born golfer in more than 100 years to win the PGA Championship and the first player of Indian heritage to claim a major golf title.
