Aaron Rai’s putter swung like a pendulum back down towards the 17th green after the ball dropped – and the mildest of fist pumps followed, while the surrounding fans roared in shock. The most stunning birdie from almost 69ft, and a final haymaker to the PGA Championship chasing pack in the city tied to the story of Rocky Balboa.
His reaction resembled the Wolverhampton man’s understated character: humble, despite his greatness, as the first Englishman to win this particular men’s major in 107 years, was all but confirmed then and there as his lead ballooned to three strokes.
