Skip to main content

Aaron Rai’s PGA Championship win was an amazing story

Aaron Rai is an amazing story

2026 PGA Championship - Final Round
2026 PGA Championship - Final Round
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England celebrates with The Wanamaker Trophy after victory during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Aronimink delivered.

The PGA Championship had all sorts of action as it began its final round on Sunday, and by the time everyone walked off the course only Aaron Rai was left standing.

An Englishman won this specific event for the first time since which is absolutely preposterous. Rai broke through for his own first major title and in the process provided a boost to the communities of people who use iron covers or wear gloves on both hands, as evidenced by discussion around his victory.

NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England hits his second shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England tees off on the 17th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England lines up a putt on the 14th green during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/PGA of America/PGA of America via Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England tees off on the 18th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England plays a shot on the 15th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England is presented with The Wanamaker Trophy by PGA of America Vice President Nathan Charnes, PGA after winning during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England and wife Gaurika Bishnoi embrace during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England celebrates with The Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England, the 2026 PGA Champion, poses with the Wanamaker Trophy and his wife Gaurika Rai after the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
1/9
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England hits his second shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Rai’s story has resonated with so many in the aftermath of his win. He exemplifies hard work, determination, and always trying your best in the name of the chips falling into place around you. On Sunday at Aronimink the chips fell and then some.

The magic of golf is that it rewards the player who is most supposed to win and Rai rose to the top of golf’s most stout field.

It was great to see.

See More:

More in Golf

Golf
Rory McIlroy in U.S. Open contention after first roundRory McIlroy in U.S. Open contention after first round
Golf

Rory McIlroy is well in contention after the first round of the U.S. Open

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Deloitte is helping to make the rules of golf more accessible and fan-friendlyDeloitte is helping to make the rules of golf more accessible and fan-friendly
Golf

The rules of golf are well on display at the U.S. Open

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Jordan Spieth is ready for the U.S. OpenJordan Spieth is ready for the U.S. Open
Golf

Jordan Spieth is as ready as he can be for the U.S. Open

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Jason Day helps stories to visualize successJason Day helps stories to visualize success
Golf

Jason Day has a unique approach to “stories” during his rounds

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
T-Mobile made the U.S. Women’s Open even betterT-Mobile made the U.S. Women’s Open even better
Golf

The U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera was a huge success

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Brian Urlacher views the ACC as celebrity golf’s majorBrian Urlacher views the ACC as celebrity golf’s major
Golf

The American Century Championship is basically a major for celebrity golfers

By RJ Ochoa

Comments
Loading comments
Getting the conversation ready...