Scottie Scheffler unmatched as he claims PGA Championship in fine style

The American had an up-and-down round but ultimately signed for an even par 71 around Quail Hollow, finishing on 11 under, five strokes ahead of the chasing pack. Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English and Davis Riely were tied for a distant second on six under.

Scheffler started the day three clear of the field, but a resurgent Rahm seemed destined to make it close in the Sunday sunshine. The Spaniard broke his string of pars with three birdies in four holes and after an uncharacteristic two-over front nine from Scheffler, the duo were tied for the lead.

But Scheffler rallied to birdie the tenth, hold some par putts and when he birdied the 14th, dejected Rahm left the 16th green with a bogey for a two-shot swing. Going for broke on the 17th, Rahm's tee shot went in the water, and with it his hopes of a major title.

"This back nine will be one that I remember for a long time," said Scheffler after his two-under coming home.

"To step up when I needed to the most, I'll remember that for a while.

"Sometimes I wish I didn't care as much as I did - or as I do. It would be a lot easier if I could show up and be like, eh, win or lose, I'm still going to go home and do whatever. Sometimes I feel that way. But at the end of the day, this means a lot to me."

The victory is Scheffler's third major championship and 15th PGA Tour win. They've come in quick-time as well, with his maiden win just over three years ago.

Scheffler also confirmed that his driver was declared nonconforming by the United States Golf Association.

"The driver testing is something that regularly happens on tour," said the 28-year-old.

"My driver did fail me this week. We had a feeling that it was going to be coming because I've used that driver for over a year. I was kind of fortunate for it to last that long, I felt like."

Further down the field, veteran Alex Noren - who started the day three behind Scheffler - slumped to a five-over 76 while Masters Champion Rory McIlroy finished T47 and left without speaking to the press for the fourth day in a row. 

READ MORE: Report: Rory McIlroy battles at Quail Hollow after USGA deems driver ineligible