The 31-year-old Rai carded a superb final-round five-under-par 67 to finish the year’s second major on nine-under-par, sealing a three-shot victory and the biggest win of his career.

The Englishman held off former world number one and two-time major champion Jon Rahm of Spain to claim the title and, in the process, etched his name into golfing history by becoming the first English player to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes.

South Africa’s Gary Player (1962) and Aaron Rai (2026) are the only two golfers to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink. Photo: Morgan Piek

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that Barnes lifted the trophy 107 years ago. Over more than a century, several celebrated English golfers – including Nick Faldo, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose – were unable to achieve what Rai accomplished at Aronimink. 

The last Englishman to come remotely close was David Lynn in 2012, while he lost by eight strokes to Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, while in 1992, Faldo finished in a tie for second after losing by three-strokes to Zimbabwe's Nick Price at Bellerive.

Speaking after becoming the first Englishman in more than a century to win the PGA Championship, Rai admitted he was only made aware of the historic milestone after the third round.

“I wasn’t actually aware of it until yesterday. I think it was mentioned in this room yesterday, which was the first I’d heard of it,” said Rai.

“But yeah, I’m extremely proud. There have been a lot of incredible and historic English players over those 100 years who’ve gone on to achieve phenomenal things and had amazing careers.

“To win this event and be the first Englishman to do it in such a long time is an amazing thing and something to be extremely proud of.”

Rai, who overnight surged from 44th to 15th in the world rankings following his breakthrough major victory, said maintaining focus throughout the week proved crucial on a demanding layout that rewarded brave and accurate golf.”

From contender to Major Champion.

Aaron Rai’s birdie at the 17th was the moment everything shifted.#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/suCg2DESpI

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 18, 2026

“I think the golf course really demanded that level of focus. It was a true major championship set-up in terms of how difficult and penalising it was, but it also rewarded good play,” Rai added.

“The nature of the course and the shots required over the closing holes demanded a lot of attention and concentration.

“That putt on 17 was incredible. I was just trying to focus on speed and get it close. With about 15 feet to go it started looking really good line-wise, and it slowed up beautifully, so everything kind of came together for the ball to go in. It was an incredible putt and a real bonus to see that one drop.”

Aaron Rai and his caddy. Photo: PGA Championship

“Those were two really good shots. The bunker shot on 13 was on a slight upslope, which actually helped me stay aggressive, but it also made it difficult because it was such a long bunker shot – probably around 40 yards. 

“I stayed really committed and trusted the strike, and it came out extremely well. I was actually trying to land it about 12 feet short, and it came out a little fast, but it worked out perfectly.

“The shot on 16 was also one of the best I hit all day. I hit a great tee shot to hold the fairway, which was really difficult to hit. It was a perfect number for a 5-iron. The wind was off the left, and the ball was slightly below my feet, so it suited a shot that could ride the wind a little. 

“I hit it beautifully, a great strike, and it worked its way down to about 15 or 18 feet. Those were probably two of the best shots I hit on the back nine.”

Jon Rahm. Photo: PGA Championship

Meanwhile, on the South African front, first-round co-leader Aldrich Potgieter finished tied for 35th after closing on one-over-par. Olympian Christiaan Bezuidenhout also shared 35th place, while South African Open champion Casey Jarvis ended in a tie for 65th.

Garrick Higgo and Jayden Schaper failed to make the cut after the third round.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg