Aaron Rai became the first Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy since 1919, capturing the US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. The 31-year-old from Wolverhampton held off a strong field, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele, to secure his first major title.
Unanimous Praise from Peers
Rory McIlroy, who finished tied for ninth, said, "You won't find one person on property who's not happy for him." Jon Rahm, who finished three shots back, added, "There's very few people that are nicer and kinder human beings than Aaron." Xander Schauffele, five strokes behind, echoed the sentiment: "He's such a good dude."
A Humble Champion
Rai, known for his meticulous work ethic, still uses head covers on his irons—a habit from his childhood when equipment was a precious investment. "That shows a lot about a person," Rahm noted. Rai does not have an agent and avoids social media, focusing instead on his family and team, which includes his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, a former top Indian female golfer.
Family Support and Hard Work
Rai credits his family for his success. His father quit his job to support his golf, his mother worked two jobs, and his sister started working at 14. "I can't put into words how much they've done," Rai said. His father instilled a strong work ethic, and Rai is renowned as one of the hardest-working players on tour. Schauffele recalled seeing Rai practicing putting at 9 p.m. before heading to the gym at 9:45 p.m. at the Scottish Open.
Journey to the Top
Rai turned professional at 17 and steadily climbed the ranks. He won on the Challenge Tour, DP World Tour, and PGA Tour before his major breakthrough. His first PGA Tour victory came at the 2024 Wyndham Championship, and he added the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in 2025. Now, with the PGA Championship, he has cemented his legacy.
"Golf in itself is an extremely humbling game," Rai said. "Nothing is ever given in this game at any point." His victory is a testament to years of dedication, making him a popular champion among fans and competitors alike.
