PGA Championship

Lore & Background

The shift to stroke play in 1958 marked a new chapter, aligning the event with other majors and emphasizing consistency over the entire field. The Wanamaker Trophy, the original award first presented in 1916, remains the iconic symbol of victory that players strive to lift. Over time, the championship evolved into a test of mental fortitude, often played in difficult conditions where the heat and course setup play as significant a role as the players' swing mechanics.

In Their Own Story

The August sun beats down on the 18th fairway, baking the earth until dust hangs in the air. A veteran player wipes sweat from his brow, gripping his putter with white-knuckled intensity. The gallery is silent, holding its breath as the ball rolls toward the hole, a single putt standing between glory and heartbreak. In this moment, under the weight of history, the PGA Championship demands not just skill, but soul.

Reader's Guide

The tournament began in 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club, where Jock Hutchison won the inaugural match play event. For over four decades, the championship utilized a knockout bracket format until the pivotal change to stroke play in 1958 at Oakmont Country Club. This shift allowed for larger fields and a more traditional scoring system that persists today. Venues have ranged from historic tracks like Baltusrol and Oakmont to modern layouts such as Hazeltine and Quail Hollow, each chosen to challenge the world's best with tight fairways and undulating greens. The difficulty of these courses often leads to high scores, making birdies precious commodities during the final round. Prize money has grown exponentially from its early days, reflecting the sport's global expansion. While exact figures vary by year, the purse now reaches millions of dollars, with the winner securing a life-changing sum alongside the Wanamaker Trophy. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson have etched their names into the record books here.

Did You Know?

• Walter Hagen holds the all-time record for most PGA Championship titles with five victories.
• Tiger Woods' first major victory came at the 1997 Masters, not the 1999 PGA Championship.
• The Wanamaker Trophy, named after department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, has been awarded since 1916.

Historic Victory for Aaron Rai

Aaron Rai etched his name into golf history by claiming the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, securing his first career major title with a commanding three-stroke victory. This triumph marked a significant milestone as Rai became only the second player of Indian heritage to win a men's major, following in the footsteps of Vijay Singh. Rai finished ahead of runners-up Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley, cementing his status as a global star. His win at this prestigious event, held in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, highlighted a breakthrough moment for international golfers and added a new chapter to the tournament's rich legacy.

Aronimink's Challenging Return

Known for hosting various prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Amateur and Women's PGA Championship, the course presented a formidable test for the world's best players. Conditions were notoriously difficult throughout the week, characterized by strong wind gusts and demanding hole locations that frustrated many competitors. Scoring averages reflected these challenges, with an average score of 72.26 in the opening round. The course's reputation for difficulty was further underscored when players criticized the severity of pin placements, particularly during the second round where cold weather and winds persisted.

Dramatic First Round Chaos

The opening day of the 2026 PGA Championship produced one of the most shared leads in recent major history. Seven players finished with a score of 67, tying for the lead at three under par. Open. Notable among these leaders were defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who recorded his first-ever major lead after round one, and Martin Kaymer, a former champion ranked outside the top 1,000 at the time. The day was also marred by controversy when Jon Rahm struck the turf in anger, accidentally hitting a volunteer with a divot, an incident he later called 'inexcusable.' Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy struggled significantly, closing with four consecutive bogeys and finishing well outside contention.

The Final Stretch Showdown

As the tournament reached its climax, Alex Smalley surged to the forefront after shooting a third-round 68 to take an outright lead. However, the final round saw Aaron Rai seize control, ultimately edging out Smalley and Jon Rahm to claim the title. Rahm and Rai both briefly held solo leads before faltering on the 18th hole with bogeys. Rory McIlroy staged a remarkable recovery from his poor start, shooting a 66 in the third round to regain confidence with his driver, though he could not quite catch the leaders. The shifting winds and accessible hole locations during moving day facilitated lower scores, setting the stage for an intense finish.

Gallery