Aaron Rai, a golfer from England, clinched victory at the 2026 PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club with an impressive final round performance. Rai, born in Wombourne, Staffordshire, secured his first major title in Pennsylvania by carding a 65, finishing at -9 over the tournament duration.
After sinking a par putt at the 18th hole, Rai shared a heartfelt moment with his caddie Jason Timmis and embraced his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi. Following the formalities, Rai posed for photographs with his scorecard before strolling back onto the course with his spouse.
Despite other players like Alex Smalley, Jon Rahm, and Matti Schmid still completing their rounds after Rai, his commanding lead assured his victory well before the final players reached the 18th hole. Ranked 44th in the world by the PGA, Rai delivered a remarkable performance on the back-nine to outshine prominent names such as Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.
Heading into the final 18 holes trailing leader Alex Smalley by two shots, Rai capitalized on his and others’ missteps to claim the Wanamaker Trophy in Pennsylvania. An eagle and an astounding six birdies during the round helped him overturn the deficit, with one particularly impressive birdie on the 17th hole from approximately 30 feet.
Rai’s historic triumph marks him as the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919. Celebrations ensued as Rai stood beaming in the clubhouse at Aronimink, eagerly awaiting to lift the Wanamaker Trophy once Schmid and Smalley concluded their rounds.
As Schmid and Smalley finished as runner-up and congratulated Rai on his victory, the trophy presentation for the 108th PGA Championship commenced. Rai was warmly applauded by the audience as he proudly held the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy, expressing his gratitude and joy for the incredible achievement.
Reflecting on his win, Rai 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.”