ESPN Golf: PGA Champion Aaron Rai Sits Out Byron Nelson Days After Historic Win

Aaron Rai, fresh off his maiden major title at the PGA Championship, withdrew from this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas. The decision came less than 24 hours after one of the most electrifying final rounds in recent major history, with S.Y. Noh stepping in as his replacement.

A Back Nine for the History Books

At Aronimink, Rai caught fire over the closing stretch, making six birdies across the final 10 holes. He seized the lead at the 13th and delivered a stunning 70-foot birdie putt on the 17th to put the tournament out of reach, carding a 5-under 65 and winning by three strokes.

The performance placed Rai in rare company. Only Cameron Smith at the 2022 Open Championship and Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters had previously reached 6-under or better over the final 10 holes of a major — a testament to just how dominant Sunday's finish was.

A Historic Win for English Golf

At 31, Rai became the first England-born player in over a century to claim the PGA Championship, a milestone that adds significant weight to an already remarkable résumé.

Byron Nelson Field Update

Rai is not the only notable absentee this week. Andrew Putnam, Aldrich Potgieter, Chesson Hadley, Nicolai Højgaard, and Marco Penge have also withdrawn following the PGA Championship. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Si Woo Kim, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, and Wyndham Clark headline the field when play begins Thursday.

Strokeslab Perspective

Rai's withdrawal is understandable given the physical and emotional demands of a major victory. The more compelling story is how his Strokes Gained data from Aronimink will read once the full figures are released — particularly SG: Putting on that back nine.