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Aaron Rai Becomes First English Player in over a Century to Win PGA Championship
The 31-year-old closed with a 5-under 65 and finished three strokes ahead of Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley.
- On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, finishing at 9-under 271 to claim the Wanamaker Trophy by three shots.
- Rai, the first English-born player to capture the title since Jim Barnes in 1919, shifted momentum on the par-5 ninth by making a 40-foot eagle putt during a stretch of one-putting seven straight greens.
- With contenders faltering, Rai secured his win by sinking a 68-foot birdie putt across the 17th green, ending American golfers' 10-year streak of winning the Wanamaker Trophy.
- Xander Schauffele praised the winner's work ethic, saying, "I'm super happy for him," while rivals Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy struggled with untimely mistakes.
- Becoming the first player of Indian heritage to win a major championship, the 31-year-old golfer solidified his place in history with a 5-under 65 final round.
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Rai leans on humble roots and hard work to become major champion
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Aaron Rai stood straight with his arms behind his back, perfect posture, as he waited to be introduced as the latest — and among the most remarkable — winner of the PGA Championship. Next to him on a small table was the Wanamaker Trophy, big and silver and shiny. Rai couldn’t resist a quick glance at the 27-pound trophy and all those names. Jim Barnes won the first two PGA Championships in 1916 and 1919, and there had never…
·Warren, United States
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PGA Championship: Rai, leaning on humble roots and hard work, wins first major
Aaron Rai recalls watching VHS tapes of Tiger Woods when he was a boy growing up in England. So it was incredible for him to see his name on the Wanamaker Trophy after his astonishing charge to win the PGA…
·Charleston, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources246
Leaning Left50Leaning Right23Center115Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
L 27%
C 61%
12%
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