Rai Claims PGA Championship, Ending American Decade-Long Reign

English golfer Aaron Rai has secured the PGA Championship title at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, concluding a decade-long period of American dominance in the sport. Rai finished with a 72-hole total of 9-under 271, winning by three strokes ahead of joint runners-up Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley. The victory marks the first time an English-born player has claimed the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes won the inaugural events in 1916 and 1919.

Rai’s triumph was sealed during a decisive final round in which he carded a 5-under 65. After navigating early turbulence on the front nine, including back-to-back bogeys, Rai turned the tide with an eagle on the par-5 ninth hole. He followed this with four consecutive birdies on the back nine without dropping a single shot, a surge that allowed him to pull away from a field containing some of the game’s most prominent stars.

The performance included a significant moment on the 17th hole, where Rai sank a 68-and-a-half-foot putt. This marked the second-longest putt made by any player in the field during the tournament and briefly extended Rai’s lead to four strokes. His ability to finish 6-under or better over the final 10 holes while winning a major has not been achieved since Cameron Smith at the 2022 Open Championship and Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters.

The win ended a 10-year streak of American winners in the PGA Championship. Australia’s Jason Day was the last non-American to secure the title, winning at Whistling Straits in 2015. The victory also signifies a shift in the broader major championship landscape, as it follows Rory McIlroy’s win at the Masters in April, marking the first time European golfers have won the first two majors of the season.

While Rai celebrated, several top-ranked players struggled to maintain contention. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler finished in a tie for 14th at 2-under, hampered by a putting performance that required 125 putts. Justin Thomas carded an early 5-under 65 but could not hold off Rai’s late charge, while McIlroy finished in a tie for seventh at 4-under. Rahm, who had been in contention, was undone by errors on the front nine and an inability to convert putts on the back nine.

Rai’s success was met with praise from competitors for his work ethic and character. Two-time major champion Xander Schauffele noted Rai’s relentless preparation, stating that he is always present in the gym and on the range. Rahm also commended Rai’s kindness and respect for the game, highlighting his unique habit of using head covers on his irons as a sign of his deep appreciation for his equipment.

Rai, currently ranked 44th in the Official World Golf Ranking, started the final round two strokes behind leader Alex Smalley. Smalley, who had not previously won on the PGA Tour, showed signs of nerves early but finished at 6-under after an eagle on the 16th and a birdie on the 18th. The result confirms Rai’s status among the elite, capping a tournament defined by Aronimink’s treacherous greens and high-stakes pressure.