JJ Spaun produced a breathtaking closing stretch at Wentworth, birdieing four of the final five holes to claim the PGA Championship title on Sunday whilst Rory McIlroy’s own late charge fell agonisingly short.

The 2025 US Open champion unleashed a stunning finale that catapulted him from apparent also-ran to champion in the space of five extraordinary holes. Standing just one-under through 13 holes and seemingly out of contention, the American conjured a hat-trick of birdies from the 14th before another gain on the last secured a 17-under total and outright victory.

McIlroy mounted his own assault but ultimately finished alongside Aaron Rai, Manuel Elvira and Adam Scott, two strokes adrift on 15-under. The Northern Irishman’s dual quest for a second Wentworth crown was thwarted by Spaun’s relentless finishing kick.

Drama unfolded on the 72nd green when Spain’s Elvira, having eagled the 17th to draw level with Spaun at the summit, suffered a catastrophic double-bogey on the last to surrender his maiden European Tour title in heartbreaking fashion.

Spaun became only the third American to capture the trophy, joining Arnold Palmer and Billy Horschel in the record books. The world number 17 revealed that being omitted from the USA’s Presidents Cup squad fuelled his remarkable performance.

“I played with a huge chip on my shoulder. I definitely had something to prove this week, but everything happens for a reason,” Spaun declared. “I wanted to prove that I deserved to be on that team. I took care of my business this week, so all the best to my mates next week at Medinah, but I’ll be on the couch watching.”