Aaron Rai, hailing 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 inaugural major title in Pennsylvania by carding a 65, finishing at -9 after four days of play.
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-signing his scorecard, Rai posed for photos with his score and then strolled back onto the course with his wife.
Despite other players like Alex Smalley, Jon Rahm, and Matti Schmid yet to complete their rounds, Rai’s lead was substantial enough to secure his victory even 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, surpassing renowned players like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. Starting the final 18 holes two shots behind leader Alex Smalley, Rai capitalized on his opponents’ stumbles, claiming the Wanamaker Trophy in Pennsylvania with an eagle and an impressive six birdies, overturning the deficit.
A standout moment occurred on the 17th hole when Rai sank a remarkable 30-foot putt, while Schmid struggled on the 15th hole. Rai’s historic win makes him the first Englishman since Jim Barnes in 1919 to win the PGA Championship.
As Rai awaited the conclusion of the final group’s rounds, he sported a constant smile in the clubhouse at Aronimink. He later returned to the course to lift the Wanamaker Trophy after Schmid and Smalley completed their rounds.
Smalley secured a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing as the runner-up alongside Rahm before congratulating Rai on his victory. The trophy presentation for the 108th PGA Championship ensued, with Rai receiving warm applause from the audience, holding the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy and expressing gratitude for his remarkable triumph.
Reflecting on his win in an interview with Sky Sports, Rai expressed his disbelief, stating, “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.”