Aaron Rai's Historic Triumph at PGA Championship

England's Aaron Rai secured a career-defining victory with a dazzling three-shot win over Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley at the PGA Championship on Sunday.

Rai distinguished himself with an impressive series of four birdies on the back nine, highlighted by a spectacular 68-foot birdie at the par-three 17th. This performance contributed to his five-under-par 65 round, culminating in a total of nine-under for the championship. Rai's achievement marks him as the first English golfer to win the PGA Championship in the stroke play format and the first since Jim Barnes in 1919.

Despite still having two pairings on the course, Rai's final putt effectively sealed his victory. As his name was engraved on the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy, Rai displayed composure, foregoing the exuberant celebrations typically associated with winning a major tournament.

(With inputs from agencies.)