PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai still hasn’t received the Wanamaker Trophy after his emphatic win at Aronimink Golf Club, as the PGA of America is currently repairing it following minor damage.
Rai earned just his second PGA Tour win in Philadelphia, and he made it count after earning $3.7 million for finishing first by three strokes. He was greeted by his wife, also a professional golfer, on the 18th green, and they posed with the Wanamaker Trophy.
The humble Englishman vowed to treat himself to Chipotle after winning the PGA Championship, but has been forced to wait for the trophy to be delivered. According to Rai, the trophy is damaged, and the PGA of America is resolving the issue before handing it over.
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Rai can keep the official Wanamaker Trophy until the 2027 PGA Championship, when he must return it to the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas. He will then receive a free replica of the trophy, but his time with the official title has been delayed.
In an interview with Golfweek, Rai revealed, “We actually haven’t received it yet. I think there was an issue with a bit of damage on the trophy, so they said they will send it in the coming days.
“I’m not sure what exactly happened. But there was just a little bit of damage towards the top of the trophy, which they wanted to fix before it went anywhere.”
Rai posing with the Wanamaker Trophy -Credit:Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Until 2009, champions were made to purchase a replica trophy that was 10 percent smaller than the official title. However, the PGA of America then changed its policy, awarding free replicas to title winners.
Rai finished 9-under par at the PGA Championship, three strokes ahead of Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley. Although golf’s heavyweights missed out on another major, everyone was happy for Rai, who remains a respected golfer in the industry.
“Aaron is getting away from the field a little bit and looks like he’s going to win, which is great. You won’t find one person on the property who’s not happy for him,” Rory McIlroy said.
Rai achieved his career highlight at the PGA Championship -Credit:Maddie Meyer/PGA of America/PGA of America via Getty Images
Jon Rahm added, “I have heard absolutely nothing but good or great things about Aaron Rai. He’s been playing great golf. He’s a fantastic golfer. He’s been able to perform really well. What he did today is nothing short of special.”
Xander Schauffele also said, “I’m super happy for him. He’s such a good dude. Rarely do you see people work really hard. I mean, that’s not fair. Rarely do you feel like people work way harder than you is what I was trying to say. Super pumped for him and his team.”
Rai’s first PGA Tour win came back in 2024, though he won the Abu Dhabi Championship on the DP World Tour last year. While Rai has been working on his craft, he also credited his wife for impacting his career.
Rai and Gauika Bishnoi embraced immediately after his victory -Credit:Photo by Darren Carroll/PGA of America via Getty Images
Gaurika Bishnoi competes on the Ladies European Tour and married Rai in 2025. They have both caddied for each other in recent years, and Rai believes that she is integral to his success.
“It’s hard for me to really sum up how much of an effect she’s had on me as a person, and also that actually feeds into my golf,” Rai said last year. “This year has been truly special with us getting married, caddying for her, being with her, getting married, practicing, and playing together.
“It’s just a peaceful thing to be able to share different parts of our lives with one another and being with each other every step of the way. Yeah, very special.”