Englishman Aaron Rai captured his first major championship at the 2026 PGA Championship, finishing with a 9-under 271 total to win by three strokes over Jon Rahm. The 31-year-old English golfer had never finished better than 19th in a major before this week, making his victory a surprise to many.

Historic Win for an Underdog

Rai’s victory at the Aronimink Golf Club in suburban Philadelphia marked a dramatic turnaround; he carded rounds of 70, 69, 67, and a final round of 65 to secure the title. His performance included an eagle. Six birdies. And three bogeys. With a highlight being a 68-foot putt that drew widespread praise, but According to The Quadrilateral, this win was particularly impressive given the course’s difficulty and the strong field of competitors.

Jon Rahm. Who came in second. Had been in contention throughout the final round, though the Spaniard had previously never won a PGA Championship, making this his best finish in the event. According to EFE, it was also the first time since 1919 that an Englishman had won the PGA Championship, with Jim Barnes being the last to do so.

Resilience and Consistency

Rai admitted to CBS that the win felt surreal, especially after a frustrating season. He credited his recent training for providing the consistency needed to maintain a strong performance over the four days. ‘I’ve had a good consistency in the last weeks of training… I’ve enjoyed the course this week and have managed to maintain the stability of the rounds as the days passed,’ he said.

Rai’s work ethic and dedication to the game were also highlighted. According to The Quadrilateral, he was often the last golfer practicing at the course’s chipping area, mastering difficult shots and improving his short game. His performance in scrambling was particularly notable—scrambling 8 of 19 chances and managing zero sand saves out of four attempts.

A Modest Champion

Rai is known for his humility and respect for the game. He treats marshals as peers, fans as friends, and fellow competitors with the utmost respect. According to The Quadrilateral, he is considered one of the nicest and most classiest players in golf. His approach to the media is also respectful, often praising reporters even when questions aren’t particularly insightful.

While this win may mark a new chapter in his career, Rai remains focused on the fundamentals. ‘I’m just trying to play golf and be myself,’ he said. With a new major title under his belt, the Englishman is now in an elite group of golfers and may well be the subject of renewed attention in the world of professional golf.