Aaron Rai Wins PGA Championship at 9 Under Par

Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship on Sunday with a 9-under-par score of 271. He finished three strokes ahead of Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley, both at 6 under par. The final round at the course featured 22 players within four shots of the lead, the largest group since the event adopted stroke play in 1958. Eight major champions were among the contenders.

Rai made a putt of just inside 70 feet on the 17th green.

He said he was only trying to get the ball close to the hole. Rai avoided missing fairways on the back nine except for the 13th hole. He converted that shot from a front bunker into a birdie. Rai did not miss an approach shot after the 10th hole. He lifted the 27-pound Wanamaker Trophy after the round.

The course setup produced lower scores than some had expected.

Jon Rahm said he spent Monday and Tuesday wondering what was wrong with the setup after hearing predictions of 15 to 20 under par. Rai said the event showed the merit of the game. He added that golf teaches humility, discipline, and hard work. The next major is the U.S. Open, which begins June 18 at Shinnecock Hills.