Two gloves, one major - England's Rai wins US PGA title

Breaking news from the world of sport: Two gloves, one major - England's Rai wins US PGA titleImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Aaron Rai had never finished higher than tied 19th in his 13 previous appearances at the majorsByJonathan Jurejko Sport golf reporterPublished35 minutes agoEngland's Aaron Rai has racked up a whole host of firsts after emerging from a bunched pack to win the US PGA Championship at a testing Aronimink. A first major title of his career. The first Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919.

And surely the first major champion who wears two gloves while he is playing. On a course set-up which has scrambled many minds over the past four days, 31-year-old Rai played with clarity and composure in Sunday's final round. After methodically putting himself into the lead, a moment of magic ensured Rai will go down in golfing folklore.

Match Details

Expertly draining a 69-foot putt on the 17th green - the second longest putt of the whole week - all but clinched victory. It helped Rai, who had never previously finished in the top-10 at a major, card a magnificent five-under 65 to finish nine under overall - three shots clear of Spain's two-time major champion Jon Rahm and unheralded American Alex Smalley - the overnight leader - who finished joint second. "It is very surreal," said Rai, who has struggled to practice at times this year because of a neck injury.

"It has been a frustrating season so being stood here is outside of my wildest imagination. "Rai first Englishman to win US PGA Championship since 1919 - reaction Behind Rahm and Smalley, there was a three-way tie on five under between American two-time champion Justin Thomas, Swedish Ryder Cup star Ludvig Aberg and little-known German Matthias Schmid. Former world number one Thomas had posted the early target after a five-under 65, then sat back in the clubhouse to watch and wait patiently - while hoping for a "little bit of help" to win.

The wind did not whip up as Thomas hoped. Yet, with the severely-sloped greens playing firm in the Pennsylvanian sun, and the thick rough continuing to be penal, scoring opportunities remained at a premium. For almost everyone other than Rai.

Reactions and Expectations

All week long it felt like a strategic thinker would be the one to prevail and Rai, known on tour for his diligence, carefully plotted his way to victory. Keeping his ball on the fairway from the tee - he was fourth best for the week - proved to be an effective tactic which others did not find as simple. Once Rai moved clear of the pack on seven under - thanks to birdies on the 11th and 13th, going up and down from a front bunker on the latter - it looked like a score which would not be caught.

In what was now by far the biggest moment of his career, an emotionless Rai stayed in the zone. The experience of beating a strong field at the DP World Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship in November was perhaps something he was able to draw on.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.