GREENSBORO, N.C. – Aaron Rai clinched his first PGA Tour title by capitalizing on Max Greyserman’s late stumble at the Wyndham Championship on Sunday.
Rai finished with a 6-under 64, sinking a crucial 6 1/2-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th hole to reach a total score of 18-under 262 in the regular-season finale at Sedgefield Country Club.
“It truly is a dream come true,” exclaimed Rai, a two-time winner on the European tour. “So many people have played a huge role in me being at this point.”
Despite a valiant effort, Greyserman, the 29-year-old former Duke player, shot 69 to finish two strokes behind on a day where competitors played 36 holes and some even more due to weather delays.
Rai was trailing by four strokes when Greyserman spectacularly eagled the par-4 13th hole, but a costly quadruple-bogey on the 14th hole gave Rai an unexpected chance to take the lead.
Greyserman’s misfortune continued as he double bogeyed the 16th, allowing Rai to secure the victory with steady play down the stretch.
J.J. Spaun and Ryo Hisatsune tied for third at 15 under, while amateur Luke Clanton tied for fifth with Austin Eckroat at 14 under after a grueling 39-hole day.
Second-round leader Matt Kuchar was tied for 12th at 11 under and will return Monday morning to finish his round in pursuit of a victory to extend his FedEx Cup playoff streak.
Rai’s victory and the playoff implications made for an exciting conclusion to the regular season at the Wyndham Championship.
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