Aaron Rai captured his first major at Aronimink Golf Club, finishing five under 65 to lift a three‑shot lead over Jon Rahm and the night’s top performers. The Irishman’s final ten holes featured an eagle and four birdies, one from 70 feet, sealing a comfortable victory amid a crowded leaderboard for the tournament’s first‑time champions.

Scheffler, the defending champion, slipped to a tie‑fourteenth after a 69 that mixed four birdies with three bogeys. He squandered six inside‑five‑foot chances, recording the lowest strokes‑gained putting of the tournament’s 82 weekend finishers. The world No 1’s poor green play kept him off the leaderboard’s upper tier and left him chasing the top spots.

McIlroy entered the final round three strokes back, eyeing a historic double‑major sweep. A 379‑yard drive into the rough on the par‑five ninth and a bogey on the drivable 13th cost him a realistic shot at the title. He finished tied‑seventh, his best since 2014, after a 35th major top‑10 and solidified his elite status.

With the PGA Tour heading to Texas for the CJ Cup, Scheffler will defend his title, while McIlroy takes a two‑week break before the Memorial Tournament. The US Open looms next at Shinnecock Hills, keeping the majors’ rhythm tight and the field eager for the next challenge and freshening the competitive edge.