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Aaron Rai Wins PGA Championship, Skips CJ Cup as Tour Rethinks Event Fields

The victory refocuses attention on expanding PGA Tour signature events.

Overview

  • Aaron Rai, who triumphed Sunday at Aronimink, withdrew Monday from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, with S.Y. Noh added to the field.
  • Rai closed with six birdies in his last 10 holes and holed a near-70‑foot birdie on 17 to finish 9 under and win by three, becoming the first English‑born PGA champion since 1919.
  • The champion earned $3.69 million and 750 FedEx Cup points and secured eligibility for upcoming signature events, including The Memorial in two weeks.
  • Rory McIlroy said he will take a short break with the Memorial as his next start, while rookie Marco Penge announced time away to address his health after missing the cut.
  • Commentators and PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp pointed to Rai’s upset and a record‑tight Sunday board at Aronimink as support for larger signature‑event fields with cuts, targeting about 120 players.