Aaron Rai wins PGA Championship

Aaron Rai clinched the PGA Championship with a final-round 65, finishing three shots clear at nine under to secure the Wanamaker Trophy and register the biggest victory of his career. Rai’s composed close featured four birdies on the back nine, capped by a dramatic 68-foot putt at the par-three 17th that proved decisive; he became the first player in PGA Championship history to improve his score in each round. The Wolverhampton-born golfer ended a more-than-century wait for England—last represented by Jim Barnes in 1919—by becoming the first Englishman to win the event in the stroke-play era.

Rai began the day two shots behind overnight leader Alex Smalley and endured an uneven start, standing one over through eight after three bogeys and two birdies. Momentum shifted at the par-five ninth when Rai holed a 40-foot eagle putt, immediately following with a birdie after a precise approach to four feet to share the lead. He moved into the outright lead when Matti Schmid faltered on the 10th, then extended his advantage with a superb up-and-down from a greenside bunker at the 13th. A birdie at the 16th put him within reach of the title, and the long putt at 17 sealed the victory despite players still on the course.

Jon Rahm shot a 68 to finish three shots back, while Alex Smalley, who started the final round with the lead, closed with a 70 to join Rahm as runner-up and record his best major finish. Justin Thomas produced a late surge with a 65 to share fourth place with Ludvig Aberg and Matti Schmid. Rory McIlroy carded a 69 to finish a shot further back, joined by Xander Schauffele and Cameron Smith. Early starter Kurt Kitayama posted a 63, tying the major record for the lowest final-round score. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler closed with a 69 to end in a share of 14th.

The final round began unusually open, with a tournament-record 22 players within four shots of the lead, underscoring the depth of the field Rai overcame. Analysts pointed to his accuracy off the tee, reliable iron play and confident putting as decisive factors in a high-pressure environment. Rai described the triumph as “very surreal,” reflecting on a season that had been frustrating until this breakthrough. Observers also noted the broader significance for European golf: Rai’s win, following Rory McIlroy’s recent major success, marked consecutive early-season major victories for Europeans. The championship is expected to elevate Rai’s world ranking and profile substantially, repositioning him among the game’s leading figures and adding a historic chapter to England’s golf legacy.