In one of the biggest surprises in golf history, Aaron Rai emerged as the unexpected winner of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on Sunday.
The 31-year-old from Wolverhampton entered the final round as a massive long shot but he fired a stunning 5-under-par 65 to claim his first major title.
Rai finished the tournament at 9-under par securing a three-stroke victory over Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley.
With this triumph, he became the first English-born player to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919, breaking a century-old drought for his country.
Rai, who is of Indian heritage, is also the first player of South Asian descent to win a major.
Known for wearing gloves on both hands, Rai overcame a three-shot deficit on the back nine. He sealed his historic win by draining an incredible 68-foot bridie putt on the 17th hole.
Reflecting on his fairytale triumph, an emotional Rai expressed his disbelief. “It’s very surreal,” Rai told CBS. “It’s been a frustrating season, so to be stood here is outside of my wildest imagination.”
