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Kitayama Ties PGA Record with 63 at Aronimink

By HourFeed StaffMay 17, 2026 • 9:09 PM0 views
Kitayama Ties PGA Record with 63 at Aronimink

Record-Tying Performance Highlights Final Round

Kurt Kitayama delivered a stunning final-round 63 at the 2026 US PGA Championship, tying the lowest closing score in the event's history. The round came at Aronimink Golf Club and matched Brad Faxon's mark from 1995, though Kitayama's effort was seven under par compared to Faxon's eight-under on a par-71 layout.

Lowry Completes Steady Week

Shane Lowry bookended his tournament with another strong 68. The Irishman avoided major trouble around the water at the 17th hole, finishing the week at two over par. His consistent play offered a measure of redemption after a difficult collapse at the Cognizant Classic earlier in the season.

Wallace Falls Short of Historic Win

Matt Wallace posted a matching 68 to end at two over par as well. The Englishman could not become the first from his country to claim the PGA title since Jim Barnes in 1919, yet his solid closing round capped a respectable major debut on American soil.

Fitzpatrick and Donald Wrap Up Campaigns

Alex Fitzpatrick, coming off a strong showing at the Truist Championship, signed for a 74 and finished eight over par in his first US major. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald closed with a 69 to sit seven over for the week, demonstrating veteran composure at age 48.

Broader Context for the 2026 Event

These performances underscored the depth of the field at Aronimink. Kitayama's achievement stood out as a benchmark for final-round scoring, while the results for Lowry, Wallace, Fitzpatrick and Donald reflected both promise and the challenges inherent in major-championship golf. The week reinforced ongoing narratives around European players seeking to close the gap in American majors.

Kitayama's round will be remembered for its precision and the way it echoed past record-setting efforts without quite matching the under-par total. Lowry's finish provided continuity after a mixed start, while Wallace's score kept alive hopes for future English success at the PGA. Fitzpatrick gained valuable experience despite the higher total, and Donald's steady play offered a positive note for the European team ahead of upcoming Ryder Cup preparations.

Overall the final day at Aronimink produced memorable individual highlights amid the pressure of a major Sunday. These efforts add to the rich history of the championship and set the stage for continued competition in the weeks ahead.

Verified Sources

This article is based on factual reporting from:

www.theguardian.com — Original Report ↗