Aaron Rai secured his first major victory at the 2026 PGA Championship with a remarkable performance at Aronimink Golf Club. In a tense final round, Rai’s exceptional 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole proved to be the decisive moment, propelling him to a three-shot lead over his competitors. This win makes Rai the first English player to claim the PGA Championship title since 1919.
The English golfer finished the tournament at nine-under-par, three strokes ahead of the second-place finishers. Alex Smalley and Jon Rahm shared the runner-up position, both ending at six under par and two under par, respectively. Despite a strong start, Matti Schmid fell back during the final stretch, ultimately tying for third place with Ludvig Åberg and Justin Thomas at five under par.
Reflecting on his victory, Rai expressed his disbelief at the turnaround in his season and the lessons learned from the sport. He emphasized the humility, discipline, and hard work that golf instills, praising the camaraderie and character of fellow players on the tour. Rai’s win not only cements his status as a major champion but also highlights his exceptional performance during the championship.
