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Aaron Rai takes advantage of Max Greyserman's late meltdown to win the Wyndham Championship

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Aaron Rai takes advantage of Max Greyserman's late meltdown to win the Wyndham Championship
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Aaron Rai takes advantage of Max Greyserman's late meltdown to win the Wyndham Championship

2024-08-12 10:09 Last Updated At:10:10

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Aaron Rai took advantage of Max Greyserman's late meltdown to win the Wyndham Championship on Sunday for his first PGA Tour title.

Rai closed with a 6-under 64, with the 29-year-old Englishman making a 6 1/2-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th to post at 18-under 262 in the regular-season finale at Sedgefield Country Club.

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Max Greyserman hits from a sand trap on the 18th hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman hits from a sand trap on the 18th hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, center, speaks during the award ceremony after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, center, speaks during the award ceremony after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, left, talks to the media after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, left, talks to the media after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, front, is hugged by playing partner Billy Horschel, back, after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, front, is hugged by playing partner Billy Horschel, back, after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, celebrates on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, celebrates on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, poses with the trophy after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, poses with the trophy after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his chip shot on the first hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his chip shot on the first hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman hits to the ninth green during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman hits to the ninth green during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts to his putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts to his putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

“It truly is a dream come true,” said Rai, a two-time winner on the European tour.” So many people have played a huge role in me being at this point.”

Greyserman, the 29-year-old former Duke player, shot 69 to finish two strokes back on a day when everyone played 36 holes and some a few more in the event washed out by rain Thursday and delayed Friday and Saturday.

Rai was four strokes back after Greyserman holed out from 91 yards for eagle on the par-4 13th, then had an unexpected share of the lead a hole later when Greyserman drove out-of-bounds and made a quadruple-bogey 8 on 14.

“If that does not hit the cart path, we’re probably in a different situation,” Greyserman said. “That doesn’t mean that that one bounce is the reason that I didn’t win.”

Greyserman — who shot 60 in the second round — birdied the par-5 15th to pull a shot ahead, then four-putted the par-3 16th for a double bogey and parred the last two holes.

“Played good enough to kind of run away with it.” Greyserman said. “Obviously, stuff happens in golf that sometimes it’s not meant to be.”

Rai didn't know where he stood on the leaderboard during the round.

“I didn’t really look and didn’t ask to know that information,” Rai said. “I think that was probably a good thing that helped me just to focus on the golf. I was playing well and I knew that if I finished off well, then you never know what can happen.”

J.J. Spaun (64) and Ryo Hisatsune (67) tied for third at 15 under.

Amateur Luke Clanton bogeyed the final two holes for a 69 to tie for fifth with Austin Eckroat (67) at 14 under.

“It’s exhausting. I’m exhausted," said Clanton, set to begin play Monday in the U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine in Minnesota. "Thirty-nine holes of golf is no joke.”

Second-round leader Matt Kuchar was tied for 12th at 11 under when he elected to stop play on the 18th because of darkness. He will return Monday morning to finish.

Kuchar needed a victory to extend his FedEx Cup playoff streak. He was the only player to reach every previous postseason.

The top 70 on the points list qualified for the playoff opener next week in Tennessee. Victor Perez tied for 33rd to remain 70th.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Max Greyserman hits from a sand trap on the 18th hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman hits from a sand trap on the 18th hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, center, speaks during the award ceremony after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, center, speaks during the award ceremony after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, left, talks to the media after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, left, talks to the media after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, front, is hugged by playing partner Billy Horschel, back, after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, front, is hugged by playing partner Billy Horschel, back, after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, celebrates on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, celebrates on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts on the 18th hole after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, poses with the trophy after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, poses with the trophy after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his chip shot on the first hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his chip shot on the first hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman hits to the ninth green during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman hits to the ninth green during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Max Greyserman lines up a putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, watches his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts to his putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Aaron Rai, of England, reacts to his putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Washington Commanders timeline on the way to the NFC championship game

2025-01-23 02:38 Last Updated At:02:41

The Washington Commanders are in the NFC championship game after going 12-5 in the regular season and winning two playoff games.

It’s the furthest the team has advanced in more than three decades, and it comes after going 4-13 in 2023. This turnaround is the result of a complete organizational overhaul that began with the firing of Ron Rivera and hiring of new general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn.

Signing veterans such as Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz and drafting Jayden Daniels set the stage for one of the most surprising seasons in franchise history.

Here's how it all happened.

A 38-10 home loss to Dallas on coach Ron Rivera's 62nd birthday clinched the second pick in the draft and opened the door to get the organization's quarterback of the future.

Rivera was fired as expected after four seasons as head of football operations, a stint that included one playoff appearance when Washington won the NFC East with a 7-9 record in 2020.

Controlling owner Josh Harris, whose group bought the team from Dan Snyder and family in 2023 for a North American professional sports record $6.05 billion, said: "Clearly, we weren’t good enough this year. We didn’t get it done on the field, and so we’ve decided to go into a new direction.”

Longtime NBA executive Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman were contracted to assist Harris and co-owners Magic Johnson, Mitch Rales and David Blitzer in the GM and coach searches. Harris predicted a “thorough but rapid” process.

It did not take long for ownership to find its new head football executive, reaching an agreement with Peters to become general manager. The Commanders announced the hire a few days later.

Peters was one of two finalists along with Chicago’s Ian Cunningham. The 44-year-old joined Washington after spending the previous three seasons with San Francisco as an assistant to John Lynch.

Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, considered one of the top candidates to coach the Commanders, informed them and other teams he was staying with the Lions.

Quinn interviewed for the job the same day at a hotel in the ritzy Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, with defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn of the Lions and Mike Macdonald of the Baltimore Ravens also in the mix. The next day, the Seattle Seahawks hired Macdonald to succeed Pete Carroll as coach.

The Commanders turned quickly to Quinn, reaching a deal to hire the former Atlanta Falcons coach who ran the Dallas Cowboys defense from 2021-23. He signed his contract a couple of days later.

Harris said Quinn "rightfully earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds, building tough, explosive and dynamic teams that compete hard ... but most importantly, he is an incredible leader who brings out the best in his players, coaches and staff.”

Peters and Quinn made the first assistant coaching additions, agreeing to hire Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator and Joe Whitt Jr. as defensive coordinator. Before the Commanders hired Quinn, Kingsbury planned to join Antonio Pierce's staff with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he could not reach a deal and told them he decided to pursue other options.

The Commanders agreed to sign Ertz, a Super Bowl-winning tight end with Philadelphia who was a free agent after being released by Arizona the previous November. The signing reunited Ertz with Kingsbury, who coached him with the Cardinals.

Before the new league year opened, they also had agreements to sign running back Austin Ekeler and quarterback Marcus Mariota. The deal with Mariota was an early sign the team was zeroing in on Daniels, figuring Chicago would take Caleb Williams with the first pick.

Peters made a big splash on the opening day of free agency, signing six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year contract worth up to $8.5 million with $6 million guaranteed. He also traded QB Sam Howell to Seattle after the 2022 fifth-round pick started all 17 games of the 2023 season.

The Commanders drafted Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU, choosing him over North Carolina's Drake Maye, who went third to New England. Peters said Daniels was the choice for a while: unanimous within the front office to the point the Commanders were ready to run the draft card up when they were on the clock.

“Selecting a winner like Jayden Daniels will energize the players and our fan base!” co-owner Magic Johnson posted on social media.

Later in the draft, they selected national championship-winning Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil in the second round and TCU offensive tackle Brandon Coleman in the third, filling a couple of big needs.

After opening training camp in late July not wanting to anoint Daniels prematurely, Quinn announced that he was the starter following a couple of successful preseason games and joint practices. Daniels was 12 of 15 for 123 yards at the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.

Daniels made his NFL debut, running for two touchdowns in a season-opening 37-20 loss at Tampa Bay. Quinn and the coaching staff talked a lot in the aftermath of that game about Daniels “remaining a passer” and not taking off and running as much as he did against the Buccaneers.

Days after Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt said the Commanders had a “nice college offense," Daniels lit up Cincinnati's defense in his first prime-time game as a professional. Daniels set a rookie record by completing 91.3% of his passes and outdueling Joe Burrow in a 38-33 win that made the Commanders 2-1.

Beating Arizona 42-14 the following week got Washington off to its first 3-1 start since 2011.

Seven days after leaving a 40-7 rout of Carolina with a rib injury that limited his practice snaps, the Commanders beat Williams and the Bears on Daniels' Hail Mary touchdown throw to Noah Brown.

They went on the road Nov. 3 and defeated the New York Giants to improve to 7-2, the organization's best record through nine games since 1996, and Peters acquired four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from New Orleans just before the trade deadline.

After a three-game losing streak threatened to derail Washington's path to the playoffs, Daniels threw for three TDs and ran for another in a 42-19 blowout of Tennessee that sent the Commanders into their late-season bye week on a high note.

In a game flexed to Sunday night and with fellow top-10-drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. making his second NFL start, Daniels connected with Ertz for the winning touchdown in overtime to beat Atlanta and send the Commanders to the playoffs.

Zane Gonzalez banked the game-winning field goal off the right upright and through, and the Commanders upset the Buccaneers 23-20 in the wild-card round. It was Washington's first playoff win in 19 years, setting up a trip to the top-seeded Detroit Lions.

Top wide receiver Terry McLaurin turned a short pass from Daniels into a 58-yard TD, the defense forced five turnovers and the Commanders ran the Lions out of their own building with a 45-31 victory. Washington reached the NFC title game for the first time in 33 years, going back to the 1991 season — the team's third and most recent Super Bowl championship.

This story has been corrected to fix that Josh Harris’ group bought the team from former owner Dan Snyder in 2023, not 2022.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris speaks during a news conference in Philadelphia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, announcing that the 76ers will partner with Comcast, their current landlord, to build a new arena in South Philadelphia and abandon a deal with the city to build the arena downtown,. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris speaks during a news conference in Philadelphia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, announcing that the 76ers will partner with Comcast, their current landlord, to build a new arena in South Philadelphia and abandon a deal with the city to build the arena downtown,. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) stiff arms Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) on a 58-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) stiff arms Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) on a 58-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) reacts to his interception against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) reacts to his interception against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates his five-yard touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates his five-yard touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) reacts to a reception against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) reacts to a reception against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury celebrate after an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Mulholland)

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury celebrate after an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Mulholland)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates with Bobby Wagner (54) after an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates with Bobby Wagner (54) after an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

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