Aaron Rai, a golfer from England, clinched the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club with a remarkable performance in the final round. Rai, born in Wombourne, Staffordshire, secured his first major title in Pennsylvania by shooting 65, finishing at -9 over the tournament.
After sinking a par putt on the 18th hole, Rai shared an emotional moment with his caddie, Jason Timmis, and embraced his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi. Following this, Rai posed for photos with his scorecard before heading back onto the course with his wife.
Despite other players like Alex Smalley, Jon Rahm, and Matti Schmid still completing their rounds, Rai’s lead was insurmountable and he was declared the champion even before the final players finished. Ranked 44th in the world, Rai delivered a stellar performance on the back-nine, surpassing renowned players like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.
Starting the final 18 holes two shots behind the leader, Rai capitalized on his competitors’ mistakes, securing the Wanamaker Trophy with an eagle and an impressive six birdies to overturn the deficit. One standout moment was a 30-foot putt on the 17th hole, while Schmid faltered on the 15th.
Rai’s victory marked him as the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919. Celebrating his win, Rai stood with a smile in the clubhouse at Aronimink, later returning to the course to lift the Wanamaker Trophy after Schmid and Smalley concluded their rounds.
In a runner-up finish, Smalley birdied the 18th hole to tie with Rahm before congratulating Rai. The trophy presentation followed, with Rai receiving applause from the audience as he held the Wanamaker Trophy and expressed his joy at the win in an interview with Sky Sports.
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