Rory McIlroy’s comments about Aaron Rai speak volumes after historic PGA Championship win

Rory McIlroy paid tribute to Aaron Rai after the Englishman produced a sensational finish to win his first major title at the PGA Championship at Aronimink.

Rai became the first Englishman in more than 100 years to lift the Wanamaker Trophy after closing with a brilliant final-round 65 to finish nine-under par, three shots clear of Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley.

The 31-year-old sealed victory in unforgettable fashion by holing a stunning 70-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th before calmly parring the last to complete the biggest win of his career.

Rai’s triumph also carried major historical significance since he became the first English winner of the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes claimed the title in 1916 and 1919.

McIlroy, who was looking to win back to back majors, finished tied seventh on four-under par after a final-round 69, but admitted key mistakes on the par-5s ultimately cost him any realistic chance of challenging Rai down the stretch.

Speaking to CBS after his round, McIlroy pinpointed the decisive moments from his Sunday charge.

"I think not birdieing the two par-5s and making the bogey at the drivable par-4 13th," McIlroy said of falling five shots shy of Rai's nine-under total. 

"To me I felt like I played the golf I needed to play the rest of the way."

McIlroy later reflected on how differently the final round could have unfolded had he capitalised on those opportunities.

"If I birdied the two par-5s and turned that 5 into a 3 on 13, the day looks very different," said McIlroy, who played the par-5s in level par for the week.

McIlroy was involved in a heated exchange with a heckler during the round. 

Despite his frustrations, McIlroy was quick to praise Rai following the Englishman’s breakthrough major victory.

McIlroy said he was happy for Rai and added that “you won't find one person on property who won't be happy for him.”

While McIlroy finished the week ranked 12th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and second in driving distance, inaccurate driving proved costly. 

The Northern Irishman hit just 41% of fairways at Aronimink.

Rai, meanwhile, delivered a near-flawless performance under pressure. 

Alongside his superb ball-striking, he holed an astonishing 182 feet of putts during Sunday’s final round, including a clutch 40-footer for eagle on the par-5 ninth and a tournament-defining birdie from 70 feet on the 17th.

The victory also marked the first time in the modern era that European golfers have won the opening two men’s majors of the season.

McIlroy will now skip the upcoming PGA Tour events in Texas before returning at the Memorial Tournament ahead of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.