Topic analysis

Aaron Rai wins first major at USPGA Championship in Philadelphia, fitting underdog triumph

31-year-old English golfer Aaron Rai, known for his unorthodox choice of wearing two gloves while playing, secured his first major championship victory at the USPGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia—dubbed Rocky Balboa's backyard—with a final-round five-under 65, finishing nine-under overall and beating the field by three shots. His triumph comes after a journey shaped by family sacrifice, an accidental introduction to golf as a toddler, and years of relentless practice, earning praise from fellow pros Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele as a well-deserved underdog win.