Aaron Rai claims first major title at 2026 US PGA Championship
The victory marks the culmination of a unique journey from Wolverhampton to the summit of professional golf, with Rai finishing nine-under par to lift the Wanamaker Trophy.
England’s Aaron Rai has secured his first major championship title, winning the 2026 US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia. The 31-year-old finished at nine-under par, securing a three-shot victory over the field to claim the Wanamaker Trophy. The win concludes a career defined by resilience and an unorthodox approach to the game, including his signature use of two golf gloves rather than the standard single glove.
The victory carried symbolic weight in Philadelphia, described as the home of the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa. As Rai received congratulations in the clubhouse, the theme tune from *Rocky III*, "Eye of the Tiger," played in the background. Rai, who has previously stated he does not train with bare knuckles, acknowledged the fitting nature of the setting for an underdog who overcame a challenging course setup featuring devilish pins, severely sloping greens, and thick rough.
Rai’s path to the major title began in Wolverhampton, where he started playing at age four after his mother, Dalvir, replaced broken plastic hockey sticks with plastic golf clubs to ensure his safety. He initially harboured ambitions to become a Formula 1 driver, wearing Ferrari merchandise in junior competitions, but shifted his focus to golf by the age of eight. His early development was guided by Darren Prosser at the 3 Hammers Golf Complex, with Andrew Proudman and Piers Ward continuing to coach him into his professional career.
Family support was pivotal to Rai’s success. His father, Amrik, quit his job to devote time to his son’s development, while Dalvir worked long hours to provide financial stability. Rai, who is of Kenyan-Indian descent, noted that pursuing a career in sport was not always viewed as a traditional path within his community, but his parents encouraged his dream despite generational pressures to pursue education and stable employment.
Rai also credited technical and mental advice from his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, who is a professional golfer. His work ethic drew praise from peers, with six-time major champion Rory McIlroy noting the universal happiness surrounding the win. Two-time major champion Xander Schaffeule highlighted Rai’s relentless preparation, stating that the champion puts in the work when nobody is looking. Rai’s victory follows a patient progression through the developmental circuits and his eventual success on both the European and PGA Tours.
