In what many are calling the most electrifying finish in recent PGA Championship history, 22-year-old rookie sensation Carson Rudd pulled off a Cinderella victory Sunday evening at Valhalla Golf Club, capturing the 2025 PGA Championship in a dramatic final round that left golf fans — and veterans of the sport — in awe.
Rudd, a relatively unknown name on the tour until just a few months ago, fired a stunning 64 on Championship Sunday to edge out fan-favorite Rory McIlroy and reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke. It marks Rudd’s first major title — and only his third start in a major tournament.
A New Star is Born
Walking onto the 18th green needing a birdie to win outright, Rudd calmly sank a 22-foot putt that sent the gallery into a frenzy and his caddie into tears. He raised his arms skyward, seemingly in disbelief.
“I was just trying to stay in the moment,” Rudd said after hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy. “I grew up watching this tournament. To win it? At Valhalla? It doesn’t feel real.”
His composed play across four rounds (67-69-66-64) marked the lowest total score ever recorded at Valhalla during a PGA Championship, breaking the previous record set by Tiger Woods in 2000.
Veterans Push, But Fall Short
Rory McIlroy, who had hoped to end his decade-long major drought, made a valiant charge with a bogey-free 65 but couldn’t catch the rookie in red-hot form. “Carson played lights-out,” McIlroy admitted. “I gave it my all, but when someone goes that deep on Sunday, you tip your cap.”
Scottie Scheffler, who led after the third round, stumbled with a costly double-bogey on the 14th hole and finished tied for second. “It just wasn’t my day,” he said. “Carson earned this.”
The Venue: Valhalla Delivers Again
Valhalla Golf Club, hosting its fifth PGA Championship, once again proved to be a worthy stage. With lightning-fast greens, tight pin placements, and thousands of fans lining every fairway, the course tested the field from tee to green.
Tournament director Sarah Thompkins praised the venue: “Valhalla never fails to deliver drama. This one will go down in history.”
What’s Next for Rudd?
With the golf world now watching, all eyes turn to the U.S. Open next month. Rudd, who only earned his tour card last fall, will now face a new challenge: maintaining momentum under the pressure of the spotlight.
“Everything changes now,” said NBC commentator and former PGA Tour pro David Duval. “We’ve seen flashes of greatness before. But what Rudd did today? That’s generational.”
Leaderboard – Final Round (Top 5):
- Carson Rudd –17 (64) 🏆
T-2. Rory McIlroy –16 (65)
T-2. Scottie Scheffler –16 (68) - Collin Morikawa –14 (67)
- Viktor Hovland –13 (66)