Aaron Rai makes expected DP World Tour decision after major breakthrough

Aaron Rai confirms BMW PGA Championship return after capturing his first major title at the PGA Championship.

22 May 2026

Newly crowned major champion Aaron Rai will return to home soil later this season after confirming his place in the 2026 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

The Englishman will arrive at the DP World Tour's flagship Rolex Series event this September as a major champion following a landmark victory at the 2026 PGA Championship, where he produced a sensational final-round charge to claim the Wanamaker Trophy at Aronimink Golf Club.

Rai became the first English winner of the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919 after overturning a two-shot deficit on Sunday.

The 31-year-old was one over through eight holes before an eagle at the ninth sparked a remarkable back-nine surge, capped by a stunning 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th, securing a three-shot victory over Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley.

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Now ranked 15th in the world, the Wolverhampton-born star will tee it up at Wentworth from 17-20 September as he targets a third Rolex Series title, following previous victories in Scotland in 2020 and Abu Dhabi last November.

Rai joins an impressive field that already includes fellow major winner Rory McIlroy, along with recent BMW PGA Championship winners Alex Noren, Billy Horschel and Ryan Fox.

Wentworth has proved a happy hunting ground for Rai in recent years, with finishes of tied second, tied fourth and tied third in his last three appearances at the Surrey venue.

Rai said: “It’s definitely been a journey to get to the point where I was standing with the Wanamaker Trophy in my hands on Sunday, and now I’m looking forward to returning to the BMW PGA Championship as a major winner.

“It’s always a pleasure to play on home soil, and I’ve certainly had some good results at Wentworth Club in the last few years, so I look forward to challenging again this year.”

The BMW PGA Championship once again promises to deliver a festival atmosphere alongside world-class golf, with fans able to enjoy the Celebrity Pro-Am, live entertainment and a wide range of hospitality experiences throughout the week.

More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the event just outside Central London, following record-breaking crowds at last year’s championship, where multiple days sold out in advance.

Tickets for the 2026 BMW PGA Championship are available now.