In a thrilling final round at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, England’s Aaron Rai delivered a masterclass performance to capture the 108th PGA Championship. The 31-year-old from Wolverhampton fired a final-round 5-under 65, pulling away from a stacked leaderboard that included stars like Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley. Rai finished at 9-under 271, winning by three strokes and etching his name into the history books as the first Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919—and the first player of Indian descent to claim a men’s major championship.

Rai’s back-nine charge, where he played the last 10 holes in 6-under, showcased the unflappable nerves and precision iron play that defined his week. Starting the day tied for second, he overcame early setbacks with birdie barrages, including standout approach shots and clutch putting. This wasn’t just a breakthrough major win for Rai after 14 professional seasons and a prior PGA Tour victory at the 2024 Wyndham Championship—it was a story of humble roots, relentless work ethic, and smart equipment choices paying off on golf’s biggest stage.

The Equipment That Powered the Victory: A Mix of Old Faithful and Modern Precision

What stood out almost as much as Rai’s scoring was his bag. As a free agent with no full equipment contract, Rai relied on a proven, somewhat unconventional setup that blended long-trusted clubs with high-performing modern pieces. His “What’s In The Bag” (WITB) highlighted reliability over the latest releases, proving that fit and feel trump shiny new gear.

Here’s a breakdown of Aaron Rai’s winning equipment at the 2026 PGA Championship:

• Driver: TaylorMade M6 (9°) with Aldila Synergy Blue 70 TX shaft. Yes, a seven-year-old model still delivering big drives. Rai’s trust in this forgiving, high-launching driver underscores his confidence in proven performance rather than chasing the newest tech.
• Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Qi10 (15° 3-wood and 18° 5-wood) with Fujikura Ventus Blue 8X shafts These modern woods provided versatility off the tee and from the fairway, contributing to his accurate ball-striking throughout the week.
• Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (24°) with Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 90 TX shaft. A reliable long-iron replacement that helped on Aronimink’s longer holes and tricky lies.
• Irons: TaylorMade P7TW (5-9) with True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shafts. These player-forged irons, inspired by Tiger Woods’ preferences, delivered the pinpoint accuracy Rai needed for his scoring bursts. His iron play was a major factor in separating from the field.
• Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design (various lofts, including SM9/SM11 models like 46°, 54°, and 60°) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S300 shafts. Precision around the greens and from bunkers was key to his low scoring, especially on a demanding layout like Aronimink.
• Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour V Steady on the greens during a week where many contenders faltered with the flat stick.
• Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Rai also notably used iron headcovers (a nod to his working-class upbringing and respect for the game) and wore two gloves, a habit from chilly English rounds as a kid. These personal touches added charm to his victory and resonated with fans.

Why This Win Matters

Rai’s story goes beyond the scores. Coming from a modest background—his father made sacrifices to support his golf journey—he embodies hard work, humility, and continuous improvement. Peers praised his gym dedication and range sessions, while his post-win comments highlighted family values and gratitude.

For amateur golfers, Rai’s bag offers inspiration: Find what works for you and stick with it. You don’t always need the latest driver if your current one fits like a glove (or two). Congratulations, Aaron Rai! From Aronimink to immortality on the Wanamaker Trophy. This is just the beginning for one of golf’s most likable and deserving champions.