The nice guy who finished first: why all of golf was glad to see Aaron Rai lift US PGA Championship

Hard work, respect and family values made Englishman a popular winner of the Wanamaker Trophy among his peers

By the time Aaron Rai was walking to the 18th tee, 71 holes into the week, 17 holes into the round of his life, three shots clear, Rory McIlroy was already in the clubhouse doing the media rounds. “Looks like he’s going to win,” McIlroy said, as he glanced at Rai on one of the TV monitors dotted around, “which is great.

You won’t find one person on property who’s not happy for him.” He was right.

Or at least if there was anyone out there who felt differently, he wasn’t among any of the many men Rai had just beaten to https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/may/18/aaron-rai-us-pga-championship-title-win-jon-rahm-rory-mcilroy">win the Wanamaker Trophy.

“There’s very few people that are nicer and kinder human beings than Aaron,” said Jon Rahm, three shots back. “He’s such a good dude,” said Xander Schauffele, five behind.