Aaron Rai Wins US PGA Championship

Aaron Rai won the US PGA Championship on Sunday, becoming the first Englishman to claim the title since 1919. The win also made him the first non-American to take the Wanamaker Trophy in ten years.

Rai began playing golf at age five after receiving plastic clubs instead of hockey sticks. He recorded a hole-in-one that year and was interviewed by local media. From age seven he trained at the 3 Hammers Golf Complex. His childhood coach Darren Prosser said Rai showed early promise and maintained a measured approach to the game.

Rai's parents supported his development.

His father left his job to focus on training, while his mother worked additional hours. Rai later credited both for their role in his career. At Wolverhampton Grammar School, teachers described him as determined and humble. Former form tutor Kathy Dyer recalled that he balanced academics with golf practice.

Rai turned professional and won his first European Tour title in 2018. He secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2024 Wyndham Championship and added the 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship. He entered the US PGA Championship after dealing with a neck injury that limited practice time this season.

After the win he described the result as outside his expectations. Darren Prosser said Rai stayed calm on the final holes and handled pressure effectively. He added that he expects Rai to continue improving.