Aaron Rai emerged from a crowded pack on leaders on Sunday to win the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The win is the first Major Championship for Rai, and just his ninth overall professional win. He had never previously finished better than 19th in a Major before today.
There were 22 players within four shots of the lead entering the event’s final round, an unprecedented number of contenders. Alex Smalley led them all with a score of -6, two shots clear of everyone else.
The big early charge was made by Justin Thomas. He began his day at even but shot 65 to get to -5 and post the clubhouse lead.
Smalley was unable to maintain his lead, dropping a few shots throughout the day before making another late run.
The group of chasers included heavy hitters like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Ludvig Aberg, and Cameron Smith. McIlroy and Rahm both looked poised for a run at different moments but could not capitalize. McIlroy would finish at -4.
On the second nine, Rai started to make his move. Birdies at #11, #13, and #16 took him from -5 to -8, creating a two-shot lead. Matt Schmid was his closest chaser tat this point, sitting at -6. He dropped a shot, however, at #14, extending Rai’s lead to three.
The moment of the tournament came at the 17th hole. Rai lined up a putt from 68 1/2 feet on the par three. It tracked the whole way and dropped to extend the lead and effectively end the tournament. Rai would hold on to win at -9, with Rahm and Smalley coming in second at -6.