Golfer Aaron Rai makes history with PGA win

A key turning point came at the par-5 ninth, where Rai drained a 40-foot eagle putt

Published: May 17, 2026 7:06pm

Updated: May 17, 2026 7:09pm

Aaron Rai became the first English-born professional golf player in more than a century to win the PGA Championship.

Rai, who once had dreamed of pursuing Formula 1 racing before committing to golf, entered the final stretch at Aronimink Golf Club three shots off the lead. From there, he delivered a closing run worthy of a major champion.

A key turning point came at the par-5 ninth, where Rai drained a 40-foot eagle putt during a stretch in which he one-putted seven consecutive greens, seizing control of the leaderboard.