Aaron Rai recorded a historic PGA Championship victory, becoming the first player in the tournament's history to improve his score in every single round. His stunning 5-under 65 on Sunday left the field trailing, and he earned widespread praise from fellow golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele.
McIlroy's Words Prove True
Rory McIlroy, who struggled during the final round and even lost his temper with a spectator, was among the first to congratulate Rai. "Aaron is getting away from the field a little bit and looks like he's going to win, which is great," McIlroy said as Rai drained a 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole. "You won't find one person on property who's not happy for him."
McIlroy's sentiments were echoed by Xander Schauffele, who played alongside him in the final round. "I'm super happy for him. He's such a good dude," Schauffele said. "Rarely do you feel like people work way harder than you. Aaron is always in the gym, always on the range. At the Scottish Open, I saw him finishing a putting session at 9:00 p.m. and heading to the gym at 9:45. That's what it takes to be a major champion."
Rahm Also Praises Rai
Jon Rahm, who finished tied for second after carding a two-under 68, was equally generous. "I haven't spent a lot of time with him, but I've heard consistently that there are very few people nicer and kinder than Aaron Rai," Rahm said. "He still uses head covers on his irons because he coveted them as a kid. That shows a lot about his character. What he did today is nothing short of special."
Rai's victory also earned him a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship and five-year exemptions into the Masters, US Open, The Open, and PGA Tour events. He also received a replica Wanamaker Trophy and a champion's money clip. Rai became the first English-born golfer to win the PGA Championship in over a century at Aronimink Golf Club.
