Aaron Rai delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, pulling away from a world-class field with remarkable shot-making to become the first English-born player in more than a century to win the PGA Championship.
A Dream Realized
Rai, who once aspired to be a Formula 1 driver before turning to golf as a boy, was three shots behind approaching the turn at Aronimink Golf Club. He then produced a stretch of golf worthy of a major champion, including a 40-foot eagle putt on the par-5 ninth and a run of seven consecutive one-putt greens to seize the lead.
On the closing holes, when contenders hoped he might falter, Rai holed a birdie putt of approximately 70 feet across the 17th green to seal the victory. The 31-year-old closed with a 5-under 65, finishing at 9-under 271.
Historic Achievement
Rai is the first player of Indian heritage to win a major and the first English-born winner of the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919, the second edition of the championship. He triumphed by three shots over 54-hole leader Alex Smalley and Jon Rahm, who had his best major finish since joining LIV Golf in late 2023.
Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose, and Justin Thomas all had their chances but were undone by untimely mistakes or missed opportunities. McIlroy closed with a 69, playing the par 5s in even par for the week, while Thomas made a 16-foot par putt on the final hole for a 65, briefly pulling within one shot before Rai's brilliance ended his hopes.
A Humble Champion
Rai may not be a household name, but he is highly respected by his peers for his humility and gracious personality. "You won't find one person on property who's not happy for him," McIlroy said. Schauffele added, "All-world gentleman, no doubt."
Rai wears two gloves, a habit from practicing in cold English winters, and uses plastic covers on his irons to honor his roots. He explained that his father sacrificed to buy quality clubs and would clean the grooves with baby oil after each round. Rai keeps the covers on "to remember where I came from and to respect what I have."
Now, he has his name on the Wanamaker Trophy and a place in golf history.
