The US PGA Championship 2026 was a thrilling spectacle, with a record-breaking 21 players within four shots of the lead and eight major winners in the field. Among them was Aaron Rai, a 31-year-old Englishman, who became the first English golfer to win the US PGA Championship since 1919, ending a 107-year jinx. Rai's victory was a testament to his resilience and skill, as he made several small errors in his first eight holes, yet still managed to secure the Wanamaker Trophy. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the strength of the field, which included six-time major champion Rory McIlroy, 2022 Open champion Cam Smith, and 2021 US Open and 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm.
The tournament was set up to be a high-wire act, with a tough course at Aronimink that left players complaining about its difficulty. However, the challenging conditions only added to the excitement, as it made for a "helluva entertaining" day on Sunday. The field was so competitive that any mistake could mean a significant drop in the rankings, and players like Rahm, Alex Smalley, and Matti Schmid all fell away after making a bogey at the wrong moment.
Rai's round took an unexpected turn when he made an extraordinary eagle on the par-five 9th hole. His second shot landed in the heart of the green, setting up a 40-foot left-to-right putt that he successfully converted. This moment of brilliance gave Rai renewed confidence and put him back in the reckoning. As he took the lead at the 11th hole and maintained it with birdies at the 13th and 16th, it became clear that he was playing with icy accuracy.
The final round was a showcase of Rai's skill and composure. He delivered a knock-out blow with a remarkable birdie putt from 68 feet on the 17th green, which brought the fans to their feet. Rai's final score of 65, with three bogeys, six birdies, and one glorious eagle, was a testament to his ability to handle pressure. He finished three shots clear of Rahm and Smalley, who were tied for second, and four shots clear of Thomas, McIlroy, Smith, and Xander Schauffele. Rai's victory not only ended a long-standing jinx but also solidified his place in golf history as a major winner.
