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Aaron Rai Wins 2026 PGA Championship as Wanamaker Trophy Is Sent for Repair

The victory boosts Rai’s tour status by delivering major exemptions, roughly $3.7 million and a confirmed Memorial Tournament spot.

Overview

  • Aaron Rai captured his first major at the PGA Championship at Aronimink, finishing 9-under and winning by three strokes over Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley on May 17.
  • Rai surged in the final round with a 40-foot eagle on the par-5 ninth and a 68-foot birdie on the 17th to close with a five-under 65.
  • The win earned Rai about $3.69 million, a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship and five-year exemptions into the other majors and The Players Championship.
  • The PGA of America discovered minor damage near the top of the Wanamaker Trophy and is repairing it before formally delivering the official cup to Rai, so he has not yet taken possession of it.
  • Rai is confirmed to play the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village (June 1–7), and the victory ends a run of American winners while materially raising his profile after a single prior PGA Tour victory in 2024.