Aaron Rai wins 2026 PGA Championship

Aaron Rai won the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, May 17, closing with a 5-under 65 for a 9-under total of 271. The 31-year-old Englishman secured his first major title in his 13th major start, according to the PGA Championship’s official report. (pgachampionship.com) Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley tied for second at 6-under 274, three shots back, while Rory McIlroy finished tied for seventh at 4-under. The victory came from a crowded leaderboard that began the final round with 22 players within four shots of the lead, the PGA Championship said. (pgachampionship.com) Rai was 1-over through eight holes before an eagle at the par-5 ninth changed his round, and a long birdie putt at the par-3 17th effectively sealed the Wanamaker Trophy. ### How did Rai take control after a slow start? Aaron Rai was 1-over through eight holes before he made eagle at the ninth, a turning point he described afterward. The PGA Championship said Rai holed a long eagle putt there after reaching the par-5 in two shots. (pgachampionship.com) Rai said he hit 5-wood from about 260 yards on his approach into the ninth and called the eagle putt “definitely a bonus.” He said the shot “provided a bit of a boost to the round” after earlier bogeys at Nos. 6 and 8. (pgachampionship.com) ### What was the shot that decided it? The 17th hole produced the tournament’s signature moment when Rai made a birdie putt from 68 feet to reach 9-under. The PGA Tour’s live final-round report said the putt gave him a three-shot cushion heading to the 18th tee. (pgachampionship.com) Rai said afterward he was “definitely wasn't trying to hole that putt” and was focused on pace from long range. The PGA Championship’s official recap said the putt was nearly 70 feet and sent spectators into a frenzy at Aronimink. (pgachampionship.com) ### Who did Rai beat, and where did the favorites finish? Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley shared second place at 6-under 274, according to the official leaderboard. Justin Thomas, Ludvig Åberg and Matti Schmid tied for fourth at 5-under 275. Rory McIlroy, Cameron Smith and Xander Schauffele tied for seventh at 4-under 276, while Scottie Scheffler finished tied for 14th at 2-under 278. (pgatour.com) The final standings underscored how many established contenders were still in range late on Sunday. ### Why is the win historically notable? (pgachampionship.com) Aaron Rai became the first English winner of the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919, the PGA Tour’s final-round report said. The same report said he was also the first non-American to win the event since Jason Day in 2015. (pgachampionship.com) The title was Rai’s first major championship and came in only his 13th start in a major, according to the PGA Championship. His final-round 65 was also his lowest score in a major, the PGA Tour said. (pgachampionship.com) ### What did Rai say after lifting the Wanamaker Trophy? Aaron Rai called golf “an amazing game” in remarks carried by the PGA Championship after the trophy presentation. He said the sport teaches “humility and discipline and absolute hard work because nothing is ever given in this game.” (pgatour.com) The official PGA Championship recap identified Rai’s trademark double black gloves as part of the scene as he closed out the win. At 18, the PGA Tour said, Rai hit a 330-yard drive and a close approach before finishing off the championship. (pgachampionship.com) ### What comes next after the PGA Championship? June 2026 is expected to bring the U.S. Open as the next men’s major, with Rai moving into that event as the reigning PGA champion. The final leaderboard at Aronimink showed Rahm, McIlroy and Scheffler also among the prominent names who should remain central figures heading into the next major stretch of the season. (pgachampionship.com 1) (pgachampionship.com 2) (pgatour.com)