Aaron Rai, a golfer from England, clinched victory at the 2026 PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club with an outstanding final round display. Rai, born in Wombourne, Staffordshire, secured his first major title in Pennsylvania by carding a 65, finishing at -9 over the tournament’s duration.
After sinking a par putt on the 18th hole, Rai embraced his caddie, Jason Timmis, followed by a warm hug with his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi. Post-round formalities saw Rai posing for photos with his scorecard before strolling back onto the course with his wife.
Despite contenders like Alex Smalley, Jon Rahm, and Matti Schmid having yet to complete their rounds, Rai’s commanding lead was already confirmed before they finished. Ranked 44th in the world, Rai delivered a remarkable performance on the back nine, outshining golf elites such as Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.
Starting the final round two shots behind leader Alex Smalley, the 31-year-old capitalized on his rivals’ stumbles, securing the Wanamaker Trophy in Pennsylvania. Noteworthy was Rai’s eagle and six birdies, enabling him to overturn the deficit, with a highlight being a spectacular 30-foot putt on the 17th hole.
Rai’s historic victory marked him as the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919. Amidst the anticipation of the final groups completing play, Rai exuded joy in the Aronimink clubhouse, hardly wiping the smile off his face.
Following the conclusion of Schmid and Smalley’s rounds, Rai returned to the course to lift the Wanamaker Trophy. Smalley finished as runner-up alongside Rahm, offering congratulations to Rai before the trophy presentation commenced.
During the presentation, Rai received warm applause from the audience, expressing his gratitude for the win. Reflecting on his triumph, he shared with Sky Sports, “Very surreal [to win]. It has been a frustrating season, so to be stood here was not in my wildest imagination. So it is phenomenal to be stood here.”
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