Rai claims historic US PGA title at Aronimink
The 31-year-old becomes the first Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy since 1919, overcoming a neck injury and a challenging course setup to finish nine under par.
England’s Aaron Rai has secured his first major championship title, claiming the 2026 US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. Rai finished the tournament at nine under par, securing a three-shot victory over joint runners-up Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Alex Smalley. The win marks the first time an Englishman has lifted the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919, effectively ending a decade-long period of American dominance in the event.
Rai, 31, carded a final-round five-under 65 to seal the victory, a performance characterised by clarity and composure on a course that tested the strategic resolve of the field. His round included a pivotal moment on the 17th green, where he sank a 69-foot putt to extend his lead. The shot, described as the second-longest of the tournament, moved him three shots clear of the chasing pack and provided the decisive margin required to hold off the overnight leader, Smalley.
The victory stands in stark contrast to Rai’s previous record at major championships, where he had never finished higher than tied 19th in 13 appearances. He overcame a neck injury that had limited his practice time throughout the season, a factor he cited as contributing to a frustrating year. Rai’s strategy relied heavily on keeping his ball in the fairway, where he ranked fourth best for the week, allowing him to navigate the firm, severely sloped greens and thick rough that penalised aggressive play.
Rahm and Smalley finished joint second, three shots behind the winner. Behind them, a three-way tie for third occurred at five under par, featuring American two-time champion Justin Thomas, Swedish Ryder Cup star Ludvig Aberg, and German Matthias Schmid. Thomas had posted an early target with a five-under 65 but ultimately could not match Rai’s sustained performance over the final holes.
Rai’s triumph was defined by his ability to remain emotionless under pressure until the final moments. After sinking the long putt on the 17th and securing a tap-in birdie on the 16th, he offered only a gentle fist pump as the crowd reacted. He later noted that the shadow of the pin provided a helpful visual line for the difficult putt, describing the outcome as surreal and outside his wildest imagination.
