Aaron Rai Becomes First English PGA Championship Winner in Over a Century

Aaron Rai produced the performance of his career to win the PGA Championship and secure a historic maiden major title at Aronimink.

The 31-year-old Englishman held his nerve superbly on a demanding final day to card a brilliant five under par 65 and finish nine under overall, three shots clear of Jon Rahm and overnight leader Alex Smalley.

Rai became the first Englishman in 107 years to win the Wanamaker Trophy and the first non-American to lift the title in a decade. He also continued his trademark habit of wearing two gloves throughout his victory, a routine dating back to his childhood.

“It is very surreal,” Rai said.

“It has been a frustrating season, so being stood here is outside of my wildest imagination.”

Rai keeps calm as rivals falter

On a course that punished mistakes all week, Rai stayed composed while many of the world’s biggest names struggled to mount a challenge.

Known for his precise and methodical style, the West Midlands-born golfer repeatedly found fairways and avoided the errors that derailed his rivals. Birdies at the 11th and 13th holes moved him clear of the chasing pack before another gain at the par five 16th extended his lead.

The defining moment arrived on the 17th green.

Facing a huge 69-foot putt, Rai somehow drained the second longest putt of the entire week to effectively seal victory. Usually reserved on the course, he celebrated with a gentle fist pump as the crowd erupted around him.

“I definitely wasn’t trying to hole that putt,” Rai smiled.

“The shadow of the pin gave a really nice line for the last 10 feet so that helped with the visual.

“It just tracked really well. It was amazing to see it go in.”

Rai had never previously recorded a top-10 finish at a major championship, but his calmness under pressure proved decisive as the chasing pack failed to close the gap.

McIlroy and Rahm unable to catch leader

Justin Thomas had earlier posted a clubhouse target with a five under 65, while Rahm briefly shared the lead after birdieing two of his opening holes before slipping back with bogeys at the third and seventh.

Rory McIlroy was unable to repeat his Masters heroics despite beginning the day within touching distance of the lead. The Northern Irishman carded a one under 69 after struggling off the tee and failing to capitalise on the par fives.

“I’m proud that I gave myself a chance,” McIlroy said.

“But there are three holes I’ll rue. Not birdieing the two par fives and then making bogey at the driveable par four. Those three holes cost me a chance to win.”

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler also failed to threaten after another frustrating week on the greens, eventually finishing seven shots behind Rai.

Final leaderboard

Leaderboard: -9 A Rai (Eng); -6 J Rahm (Spa), A Smalley (US); -5 J Thomas (US), L Aberg (Swe), M Schmid (Ger); -4 C Smith (Aus), R McIlroy (NI), X Schauffele (US)

Selected others: -3 J Rose (Eng), P Reed (US); -2 M Fitzpatrick (Eng), S Scheffler (US); -1 J Spieth (US), P Harrington (Ire); +2 M Wallace (Eng), S Lowry (Ire)

Rai joins elite English company

Rai’s victory means golfers from the United Kingdom have now won the first two men’s majors of the year following McIlroy’s Masters triumph in April.

He also joins an elite group of post-war English major champions including Henry Cotton, Max Faulkner, Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo, Justin Rose, Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick.