Aaron Rai is officially a major champion. The 31-year-old English professional fired a spectacular final-round 65 to win the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Rai finished at 9-under par overall with 271 total strokes, securing a comfortable three-shot victory over the field.
The win ends a 107-year drought for England at the PGA Championship. Rai becomes the first English golfer to win the event since Jim Barnes in 1919. He held off strong final-day pushes, leaving Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley tied for second place at 6-under par.
Smalley, who led during the third round, could not match Rai’s blistering pace on Sunday. Both Smalley and Rahm finished with 274 total strokes as Rai pulled away.
The victory highlights a steady climb for Rai since his breakthrough on the PGA Tour at the 2024 Wyndham Championship. Famous for his unique approach of wearing two black gloves and using iron headcovers, Rai told reporters he was “extremely proud” of the historic achievement, according to ESPN.
Rai’s personal and professional support system has been a highly visible part of his rise. His wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, a former No. 1 player on India’s Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour, famously caddied for him during the 2025 Masters Par 3 contest and was on site to celebrate the 2026 major victory.