Aaron Rai’s Historic Finish Ends 107 Year English Wait at PGA Championship

Aaron Rai delivered a composed and breathtaking final round to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club , finishing three shots clear of a star studded field and becoming the first English born winner of the event in over a century.

Rai carded a superb 65 in the final round to finish at nine under par , rising from three shots behind at the turn to take control with a fearless stretch of golf. The 31 year old, who once dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 driver before turning fully to golf, produced the defining performance of his career under immense pressure.

The turning point came at the par five ninth, where Rai holed a stunning 40 foot eagle putt to ignite his charge. From there, he produced a remarkable run of seven straight one putts , showing remarkable control while others around him began to slip.

The victory was sealed in dramatic fashion on the 17th, where he rolled in a long birdie putt from nearly 70 feet , effectively shutting the door on the chasing pack and stamping his authority on a demanding Aronimink layout.

Behind him, several of golf’s biggest names faltered. Jon Rahm , Rory McIlroy , Xander Schauffele and Cameron Smith all entered the final round in contention but were undone by missed chances and costly errors at key moments.

McIlroy’s round reflected the frustration, with a lone birdie on the front nine and a bogey on the drivable 13th halting momentum. A heated exchange with a spectator at the 16th followed an errant shot from the rough, before he closed with a 69 , finishing tied seventh at four under .

Rahm struggled on the greens with 33 putts , while Schauffele and Smith also faded after brief spells in contention.

Rai’s win also makes him only the second player of Indian heritage to win a major after Vijay Singh . The victory secures a five year PGA Tour exemption and entry into all majors, marking a breakthrough moment in his career.

In a week defined by pressure, Rai stood tallest, delivering precision, patience and brilliance to claim a historic Wanamaker Trophy .