England’s Aaron Rai breaks 107-year record to claim stunning PGA Championship victory as Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm falter

Wolverhampton’s Aaron Rai became the first English winner of the PGA Championship since 1919 after a brilliant final day display at Aronimink Golf Club.

Amid a packed leaderboard full of golf’s superstars, Rai emerged victorious to claim glory in the second major of the year.

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The 31-year-old shot a final round 65 to finish on 9-under-par, three clear of runner-up Jon Rahm.

The Englishman, who had previously only won one PGA Tour event back in 2024, had never finished better than 19th in a major tournament.

But he dealt best with the windy conditions and incredibly tough course set-up at Aronimink to get his hands on the famous Wanamaker Trophy and scoop the record-breaking $3.69million winner’s prize.

Rai was brilliant with his irons, getting his ball in play all day long and sinking a host of important putts.

While not the longest player, he stuck to his own game plan, plotting his way around the historic Philadelphia track to get the job done in style.

He shot opening rounds of 70 and 69 before moving up the leaderboard on Saturday with a 67.

He then opened his final round with a birdie on the first hole and took control of the tournament with a run of two more birdies and an eagle around the turn.

That fine spell separated himself from the bunched pack and he picked up another shot on the par 5 16th to ease the pressure.

And he then produced a stunning highlight on the extremely difficult 17th hole, holing his putt from 70 feet out to provide the knockout blow to his rivals.

The last English winner of the PGA Championship was Jim Barnes way back in 1919 and Rai’s win snaps America’s 10-year domination of the event.

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He also follows in the footsteps of fellow English major winners such as Nick Faldo, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Danny Willet and Tony Jacklin.

Elsewhere, Justin Thomas had set an early clubhouse lead of five-under–par several hours before Rai had finished.

Rahm started well and had looked set to be the main challenger for the title but came up just short.

Rory McIlroy, who won The Masters last month, also had moments of brilliance throughout the final day but couldn’t close the gap to Rai in the end.

Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Aberg and Cameron Smith all finished high up the leaderboard while overnight leader Alex Smalley had to settle for third.

As for Rai, he will now be exempt for the PGA Championship for life and gains automatic entry into the other three majors for the next five years.

He will also have the honour of hosting the PGA Champions Dinner at PGA Frisco in Texas next May and should be well placed to make Europe’s Ryder Cup team next year.

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Rai won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last year and is a previous winner of the Scottish Open but this victory marks a major step up in his career.

He said: “It is very surreal. It has been a bit of a frustrating season to to be stood here is definitely outside of my wildest imagination.

“I think it is really good consistency over the last few weeks with practice. My body feels great and I have really enjoyed the course this week.

“It is phenomenal to be stood here.

“Golf is am amazing game. It teaches you so many things, so much humility, discipline and hard work. Nothing is given in this game.

“It teaches so many amazing life skills and pretty much everyone on tour is an incredible person.

“Golf should be proud of the ambassadors that represent the PGA Tour and PGA Tour of America.”

Rai will now be among the favourites for the next major championship.

The 126th edition of the US Open will take place at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York from June 18.