Aaron Rai has become the first English golfer in 107 years to win the PGA Championship, clinching the major title at Aronimink Golf Club on Sunday. Rai, the world No. 44, carded a final-round 65 to finish at 9-under par, securing a three-shot victory over Spain's Jon Rahm and American Alex Smalley. His win on Sunday, May 17, 2026, breaks a streak of 10 consecutive American winners of the Wanamaker Trophy.
Rai's performance was marked by a series of clutch putts, including a nearly 70-foot birdie on the 17th hole and a 40-foot eagle on the par-five ninth during the final round. This marked a significant shift in his putting performance, as he entered the tournament ranked 117th on the PGA Tour in putting. He one-putted seven straight greens on his way to taking the lead. Rai holed a total of 182 feet of putts during the final round.
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A Championship Emergent
The victory marks Rai's first major championship and his second career win on the PGA Tour. He entered the final round two strokes off the lead and was three shots behind with 10 holes remaining. His charge included birdies on the 11th and 16th holes, culminating in the dramatic putt on the 17th. Rai's final round 65 was also the lowest score of his major championship career.
Jon Rahm's joint runner-up finish represents his best result in a major for three years. Alex Smalley, who led after the third round, finished tied for second at 6-under par. Other notable finishers included Rory McIlroy, who ended five strokes back, and a three-way tie for fourth place at 5-under par between Germany's Schmid, Sweden's Ludvig Åberg, and America's Justin Thomas.
Unconventional Path to Success
Rai's background in golf is notable. He was largely isolated from his peers in his early golfing years, with his introduction to the sport described as an accident. A distinctive element of his game is his consistent use of two gloves and plastic covers on each iron, a practice reportedly rooted in his background. This win signifies a remarkable rise for a player whose previous best major finish was tied for 19th.
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