Aaron Rai emerged victorious at the rain-interrupted Wyndham Championship on Sunday, securing his first PGA Tour title after a grueling 36-hole final. The 29-year-old Englishman clinched the win with a birdie putt on the final hole, finishing at 18-under 262 at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina.
"It’s incredible, a dream come true," Rai said, reflecting on the victory. "I’m extremely grateful. I think it hasn’t sunk in just yet. An amazing achievement."
Rai's final round saw him shoot a bogey-free six-under 64 after an earlier 68, allowing him to take a two-stroke lead over American Max Greyserman, who had held a four-shot advantage with five holes remaining.
Despite his strong position, Greyserman’s lead evaporated after a roller coaster back nine, including a quadruple bogey on the 14th hole. Although he managed a birdie on the 15th, a four-putt bogey on the 16th left Rai ahead by one stroke. Rai then solidified his victory with a birdie on the 18th hole, as Greyserman was unable to replicate his earlier heroics.
Japan's Ryo Hisatsune and American J.J. Spaun finished tied for third at 15-under, while US amateur Luke Clanton was one stroke behind in fifth.
Rai, who has previously won two titles on the DP World Tour, remained focused and composed throughout the final stretch, earning praise for his perseverance.
The event also marked the conclusion of the PGA regular season, with only the top 70 players in points advancing to the playoffs. France’s Victor Perez was the only player to secure his playoff spot on Sunday, while veteran American Matt Kuchar missed out on the playoffs for the first time since their inception in 2007.
In addition, 20-year-old amateur Luke Clanton achieved a rare feat with his third top-10 finish on the PGA Tour, a distinction last matched by Jack Nicklaus in 1961. Clanton now heads into the US Amateur Championship starting Monday.
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