Aaron Rai made history by winning the PGA Championship, becoming the first English-born golfer of Indian descent to claim the prestigious title.
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Aaron Rai emerged victorious at the PGA Championship on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in golf history as he became the first English-born player of Indian descent to win the tournament.
As the final round unfolded at the challenging Aronimink Golf Club, Rai was just one of many contenders vying for the title. Among the notable names were Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele, who collectively held ten major championships. Justin Thomas set the pace as the clubhouse leader with a score of 65, holding the lead for nearly four hours before the course conditions changed under the sweltering sun.
However, it was Rai’s performance that stole the show. He made an impressive six birdies over the last ten holes, taking the lead for good on the 13th hole. A stunning 70-foot birdie putt on the 17th elicited a roar from the crowd, signaling that he was on his way to victory.
Rai finished the day with a remarkable 5-under 65, securing a three-shot victory and etching his name on the Wanamaker Trophy. “To be here is outside my wildest imagination,” Rai expressed after his win.
After starting the round three shots behind, Rai made a pivotal comeback with a 5-wood shot up the hill and a 40-foot eagle putt. His skillful 40-yard bunker shot set up a 6-foot birdie on the 13th hole, a par 4 that had previously challenged both McIlroy and Schauffele.
The 31-year-old Rai, who once dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 driver and wore Ferrari shirts during his junior golf days, delivered a back nine performance that ranks among the best in major championship history. Only two players in the past have achieved 6 under or better over the final ten holes of a major: Cameron Smith at the 2022 British Open and Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters.
Rai’s victory places him in an exclusive group of champions. While others with more established golfing pedigrees, such as Alex Smalley and Matti Schmid, faltered due to mistakes, Rai maintained his composure and focus. McIlroy finished with a 69, struggling on the par 5s and facing challenges on the reachable par-4 13th, which ultimately dashed his hopes of victory.
With a final score of 9-under 271, Rai became the first English player to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919, the second edition of the tournament and the first after World War I. Rahm and Smalley tied for second, marking significant achievements for both players. Rahm, who recently transitioned to LIV Golf, secured his best finish in a major since making the switch, while Smalley’s runner-up finish earned him entry into the next four majors, including the Masters.
Justin Thomas finished in a tie for fourth place after making a 16-foot par putt on the final hole, posting a score of 5-under 275. For a time, it appeared he might have a chance as the pressure mounted at Aronimink, but Rai’s performance ultimately extinguished those hopes.
The final round concluded a remarkable week in the Philadelphia suburbs, where a record 22 players were within four shots of the lead heading into the last day. From this competitive field emerged Rai, who had previously won one title on the PGA Tour and three on the European Tour, but had not finished in the top 15 at any major until now.
Though he may not be a household name among casual golf fans, Rai is well-respected by his peers for his humility and gracious demeanor. “You won’t find one person on property who’s not happy for him,” McIlroy remarked. Schauffele added, “Super pumped for him and his team. All-world gentleman, no doubt.”
Rai’s unique approach to the game includes wearing two gloves, a habit he adopted as a child in England to cope with cold weather during practice. He also uses plastic covers on his irons, a tribute to his upbringing. He once shared that his father made sacrifices to provide him with quality golf clubs and would clean the grooves with baby oil after each round. Rai has kept the iron covers on as a reminder of his roots and a sign of respect for what he has achieved.
During his final round, Rai recorded seven consecutive one-putt greens, culminating in a 6-foot birdie putt on the 13th that made him the first player of the week to reach 7 under. He continued to build on his momentum from there.
Thomas ended the tournament tied for fourth with Ludvig Aberg and Schmid, the latter securing a spot in his first Masters next year. Smith, who had not dropped a shot until the 17th hole, finished with a score of 68, joining McIlroy and Schauffele another shot back.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putting, missing several short birdie and par attempts, and finished tied for 14th, marking his first time outside the top 10 at a major since the 2024 U.S. Open.
With this victory, Rai has secured a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour and earned spots in the Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open. He can now play in the PGA Championship for life.
“Golf is an amazing game,” Rai reflected. “It teaches you so many things, and it teaches you so much humility and discipline and absolute hard work because nothing is ever given in this game.” On Sunday, nothing was given to him; Rai simply outplayed the strongest field in golf and claimed his well-deserved victory.
According to AP, Rai’s win will undoubtedly inspire many aspiring golfers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, as he continues to pave the way in the sport.