Aaron Rai Prize Money: How Much the English Golfer Earned From His Surprise PGA Championship Win
If you didn’t know much about Aaron Rai before this weekend, you definitely do now.
The 31-year-old made golf history on Sunday night by becoming only the eighth Englishman since 1940 to win a major with his victory at the PGA Championship.
He also became just the second Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy, joining Jim Barnes who won the first two titles back in 1916 and 1919. Plus, it’s the first time Europeans have won the first two majors of a season after Rory McIlroy’s win at The Masters.
Rai’s surprise win at the PGA Championship came on his 13th Major appearance. Before this, his best finishes were ties for 19th at the PGA, the US Open, and The Open Championship, and he tied for 25th at the Masters.
There’s been lots of love for this hard-working guy from Wolverhampton, who is known for wearing two gloves and using iron headcovers—a simple touch that shows his humble roots. That down-to-earth attitude will surely help him after his big win in Philadelphia.
Winning at Aronimink Golf Club not only boosts Rai’s fame but also his wallet. He finished the day five under par and nine under over 72 holes, scoring an eagle and six birdies in his final round—his three bogeys didn’t hurt him much.
He’ll take home $3,690,000 from the record $20.5 million prize fund, and with his new fame, he might earn even more from sponsors.
Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley tied for second, each getting $1,804,000, while Justin Thomas, Ludvig Aberg, and Matti Schmid tied for fourth and will each receive $843,866.
“This definitely feels like a journey,” Rai said after his amazing win. “Everyone here this week has their own story to share, and I’m no different. It takes a lot—from starting as a junior golfer to building your game with dreams of going pro.
“Then, once you turn professional, you realize how good everyone is and how tough pro golf really is, not just on the PGA Tour, but also the DP World Tour and the tours that lead into them.
“So yeah, it’s a long journey just to compete at major championships like the PGA. Standing here now, it still doesn’t feel real. It’s been an incredible journey.”