Scottie Scheffler expressed frustration over his putting performance at the PGA Championship, labeling it a ‘bitter pill to swallow’ after he and Rory McIlroy failed to challenge Aaron Rai during the final holes of his major victory.

Aaron Rai clinched his maiden major title with an impressive three-shot victory at Aronimink Golf Club, carding an eagle and four birdies over his last ten holes, finishing with a five-under 65. This performance left him comfortably ahead of Jon Rahm, who also struggled to keep pace on a day when 30 players were within five strokes of the lead.

Scottie Scheffler, pre-tournament favorite, started the final round five strokes back but ended tied-14th after a final-round 69, mixing four birdies with three bogeys. He struggled significantly on the greens, missing six chances inside five feet and finishing 72nd in strokes-gained putting out of 82 players.

"I battled really hard all week, I just couldn't get anything going on the greens," Scheffler told Sky Sports.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy aimed to become the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win the first two majors of the year. Starting the final round three strokes back, he managed to save par at the first hole but only added one birdie and one bogey to finish with a 69. McIlroy identified three critical holes that cost him the chance to push for victory.

"I think not birdieing the two par-fives and making the bogey at the drivable par-four 13th... those three holes [cost me]," McIlroy remarked.

Despite finishing tied-seventh, his best at the PGA Championship since 2014, McIlroy acknowledged he left opportunities on the table. Both golfers now look ahead to The CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas, where Scheffler returns as defending champion.