PGA Championship: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler rue missed opportunities to challenge Aaron Rai's major victory

Scottie Scheffler admitted his putting performance at the PGA Championship was a ‘bitter pill to swallow’, as he and Rory McIlroy failed to put pressure on Aaron Rai during the closing holes of his major victory.

Rai stormed to a maiden major title with an impressive three-shot victory at Aronimink Golf Club, where he carded an eagle and four birdies - including one from 70 feet - over his last 10 holes to pull clear of a congested leaderboard.

The Englishman closed a five-under 65 to finish comfortably ahead of two-time major winner Jon Rahm and overnight leader, after a Sunday where 30 players entered the final day within five strokes of the lead.

Pre-tournament favourite Scheffler was among those starting Sunday five back as he looked to defend his title and register a fifth major title in as many years, only for him to finish tied-14th after mixing four birdies with three bogeys in a final-round 69.

The world No 1 squandered six chances from inside five feet over the week and finished 72nd of the 82 players who made the weekend in strokes-gained putting, with his performance on the greens preventing him from finishing further up the leaderboard.