NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — The 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club delivered surprises, from the setup and the putting struggles of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to Aaron Rai’s unexpected victory. Rai pulled away for a three-stroke win to claim his first major, becoming the first English-born champion of the PGA Championship in more than a century.
Rai’s win carries immediate benefits. He earned a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour, invitations to the Masters, U.S. Open and Open Championship for the next five years, and a lifetime invitation to the PGA Championship. Rai said, “Golf is an amazing game,” and noted the humility and discipline the sport requires. DraftKings listed him at 290-1 to win the Wanamaker Trophy before the event.
Mark Schlabach compared Rai’s accomplishment to Y.E. Yang’s 2009 major victory and argued Rai may be an even stronger player, noting Rai’s past success on the DP World Tour and worldwide. Schlabach pointed out Rai has four DP World Tour victories and nine wins worldwide, and ranks 24th in strokes gained: approach (0.435). Schlabach also noted Rai’s accuracy off the tee — he averages 291.1 yards and is fourth in driving accuracy.
Paolo Uggetti wrote that while a major title brings confidence, questions remain about how Rai’s victory will translate across the season. Uggetti noted Rai had just one top-10 this season, at an opposite-field event in Myrtle Beach, and that his only tour win since has been the 2024 Wyndham Championship. Rai also beat Tommy Fleetwood in a DP World Tour playoff at Abu Dhabi about six months ago.
Rai’s major victory could affect European Ryder Cup consideration for Adare Manor, though captain Luke Donald has said the team has not fully laid out its points system. Rai said he tries not to focus on Ryder Cup or other specific motivations and intends to keep his approach to practice and competition consistent.
Attention now turns to the next major, the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, in June, where recent form and course setup will shape new storylines heading into the summer.
