The 2026 PGA Championship has concluded with England’s Aaron Rai as the shock victor of the Wanamaker Trophy
Aaron Rai won the 2026 PGA Championship by three shots(Image: (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images))
Aaron Rai of England has won the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club with a sensational final round performance. Rai, who was born in Wombourne, Staffordshire, captured his first major title in Pennsylvania after shooting 65 to leave him -9 over the four days.
Rai shared a hug with his caddie Jason Timmis after putting in for par at the 18th before sharing a warm embrace with his wife Gaurika Bishnoi
After signing his scorecard, Rai posed for some photos with his score before walking back out towards the course with his wife.
The likes of Alex Smalley, Jon Rahm and Matti Schmid still had to finish their rounds after Rai but with his lead so significant, it was confirmed before the final players even reached the 18th.
The PGA world no.44 had put in a remarkable back-nine performance to emerge from a group of big names that included Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.
The 31-year-old headed into the final 18 holes at two shots behind leader Alex Smalley but took advantage of him and others faltering to win the Wanamaker Trophy in Pennsylvania with an eagle and an unbelievable six birdies helping him overturn the deficit.
One of those came in truly sensational fashion on the 17th, with Rai managing to find the hole from roughly 30 feet at the same time Schmid bogeyed the 15th.
Rai’s sensational triumph has seen him become the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes back in 1919.
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As he waited for the final group to finish their respective rounds, Rai stood in the club house at Aronimink with a smile barely leaving his face.
He later left to head back out onto the course to lift the Wanamaker Trophy after Schmid and Smalley finished their rounds.
The latter managed a birdie on the 18th hole to finish as runner-up alongside Rahm before congratulating Rai on his way back to the club house.
The trophy presentation for the 108th PGA Championship followed after that with Rai receiving warm applause from those in attendance before holding the massive Wanamaker Trophy and speaking fondly of his incredible win.
He said on Sky Sports: “Very surreal (to win). It has been a frustrating season, so to be stood here was not in my wildest imagination. So it is phenomenal to be stood here.”
