Rai's victory at Aronimink Golf Club was achieved on his 13th major appearance, with the previous best finishes being ties for 19th at the PGA, the US Open, and The Open Championship. His best result at the Masters Tournament was a tie for 25th.
Follow us on Google Discover The 31-year-old made golfing history on Sunday night by becoming only the eighth Englishman since 1940 to win a major with his victory at the PGA Championship.also made more history, becoming only the second Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy after Jim Barnes won the first two titles in 1916 and 1919.
It's also the first time Europeans have claimed the opening two majors of a season after Rory McIlroy's win at The Masters. His shock victory at the PGA Championship was his 13th appearance at a Major, with his previous best finishes being ties for 19th at the PGA, the US Open, and The Open Championship. His best result at the Masters Tournament was a tie for 25th.
There was plenty of love for the working-class man from Wolverhampton, who is the only notable tour star who wears two gloves and uses iron headcovers. They are both traits that stem from his grounded upbringing, something that will stand him in good stead after his seismic victory in Philadelphia. Aaron Rai's victory at Aronimink Golf Club is not only huge for his reputation, but for his bank balance as well.
The Englishman finished the day five under par, nine under across the 72 holes. His final round saw him circle and an eagle and six birdies, to ensure his three bogeys were not too damaging. Rai will take home $3,690,000m of the record $20.5 million prize fund and could be set to earn even more money from sponsorship opportunities thanks to his increased profile.
Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley will each receive $1,804,000m after they were tied for second, while Justin Thomas, Ludvig Aberg and Matti Schmid will get $843,866 in prize money after they were all tied for fourth.
"It definitely feels like a journey," Rai said after his historic win. "Everyone playing in the field this week has a great journey to be able to share, and I'm no exception to that. Yeah, so much goes into it from being a junior golfer to developing the game to have aspirations of turning professional.
"Then you realise once you turn professional how good some of these guys are and how strong the level of professional golf is, not just on the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and all the feeders that go into it. "So, yeah, it's a really long journey to even get to compete at major championships at events like the PGA. Yeah, to be stood here, it still hasn't sunk in for sure. Amazing journey.
" Freelance sports journalist with nine years covering Manchester United and a lifetime following Wrexham AFC. Co-host of the RobRyanRed podcast. Who is Aaron Rai? Englishman wins shock 2026 PGA Championship title and ends 100-year curseScottie Scheffler calls out 'absurd' PGA Championship course amid 'unfair' conditions
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