Elvira’s late error hands JJ Spaun the PGA Championship at Wentworth
Manuel Elvira’s mistake on the 18th hole at Wentworth’s West Course on 20 September 2026 handed JJ Spaun the PGA Championship title, with Spaun finishing two shots clear.
Elvira, a 30-year-old who began the week ranked world No 294 and without a professional win, had eagled the 71st hole and reached the 18th knowing a birdie would have secured the title while a par would have forced a playoff. On the final hole he pulled his layup into a bunker, flew the green, fluffed a chip into another sand trap and then missed a bogey putt from 4ft, leaving him in a four-way tie for second place.
Reflecting on the 18th, Elvira said: “It is devastating that I hit the wrong shot on the layup and left myself the toughest shot in the fairway bunker. I wasn’t able to pull it off. I have played some of the best golf probably of my life.”
Spaun arrived in England carrying a grudge after being overlooked for next weekend’s Presidents Cup at Medinah, a slight that his victory emphatically addressed; Rory McIlroy had even assumed Spaun was part of Brandt Snedeker’s team. “I played with a huge chip on my shoulder,” Spaun said. “I definitely had something to prove this week but everything happens for a reason.”
Spaun, who was already a major champion, claimed the title on his Wentworth debut. His final round 67 featured four birdies in the last five holes and a 17-under-par total that proved sufficient to take the trophy by two shots; Spaun’s wife was reported to have been waving a Clarkson mask as the champion was confirmed.
Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai and Adam Scott joined Elvira in the group behind Spaun. McIlroy signed for a 68 to finish 15 under par despite multiple missed chances, including four birdie attempts from 10ft or closer, and said: “I feel like my game is heading in the right direction. When I look at my swing on video, I still don’t like what I am seeing. It is going to take time. Golf isn’t just about the swing, you also have to chip and putt. My swing is not where I want it to be.”
McIlroy also produced the tournament’s standout shot with an iron from the trees at the 12th that hooked some 80 yards before coming to rest just short of the green. Joost Luiten, Matt Fitzpatrick, Ryan Fox and Filippo Celli completed the top nine.
Americans have now won three of the last six editions of the DP World Tour’s flagship event, and with the Presidents Cup scheduled for next weekend at Medinah Spaun’s omission from the U.S. side will be a live talking point heading into that match.