"It is phenomenal to be stood here."
Aaron Rai claimed his first major title after winning the PGA Championship and becoming the first English winner of the tournament in more than a century.
The 31-year-old produced a sensational final round at Aronimink Golf Club to finish three shots clear of the field. Rai carded a five-under-par 65 to end the tournament on nine-under 271.
Starting the day three shots behind, Rai looked set for a difficult finish during an uneven opening nine.
However, he transformed his round with a stunning 40-foot eagle putt on the par-five ninth hole before taking control on the back nine.
He added four birdies after the turn and effectively secured victory with a remarkable 68-and-a-half-foot birdie putt at the par-three 17th.
Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Alex Smalley finished tied for second, three strokes behind Rai.
After receiving the Wanamaker Trophy and the £2.76 million winner’s prize, Rai admitted the achievement exceeded anything he imagined possible.
He said: “It’s been a bit of a frustrating season so to be standing here is definitely outside of my wildest imagination.
“I think it is really good consistency over the last few weeks with practice. My body feels great and I have really enjoyed the course this week.
“It is phenomenal to be stood here.”
Aaron Rai’s victory marks a historic moment for English golf. He is the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes lifted the title in 1919.
He also becomes the first player of Indian heritage to win a men’s major championship, adding another landmark achievement to an already historic triumph.
Sky Sports Golf pundit David Howell praised Rai’s composed approach throughout the week:
“Aaron turned up at this wonderful course, played to his strengths and kept it on the straight and narrow.”
“He ignored everyone else who was bombing it down there with driver. They did it with power and distance. He did it with accuracy.
“He putted brilliantly and his iron play was superb. Basically faultless.”
Aaron Rai entered the week ranked world number 44 and had never previously won a major title. His breakthrough victory continues a strong run for European golfers in 2026.
The win comes just a month after Rory McIlroy retained his Masters title. It is the first time in the modern era of golf’s four major championships that Europeans have won the opening two majors of the season.
Loading ...