Aaron Rai Birdies No. 1 to Reach 5-Under Solo Second at PGA Championship

10 articles · Updated · golfchannel.com · May 17

Aaron Rai opened the final round with a birdie at Aronimink, moving to 5-under and into solo second, one shot behind 54-hole leader Alex Smalley.
That early move broke Rai out of a crowded tie for second in a championship that began Sunday with 30 players within five shots of the lead.
Jon Rahm also birdied the first to join the chase at 5-under, while Justin Thomas climbed to 4-under with a birdie on No. 15 after starting the day six back.
Rory McIlroy saved par at the first and stayed at 3-under, three shots off the lead, as the final round remained tightly packed with contenders from six countries near the top.

With 11 major champions chasing, can a first-time winner survive Aronimink's final round pressure?

Will Aronimink's 'diabolical' greens, not the players, ultimately decide this year's PGA Championship winner?