Aaron Rai’s new world golf ranking confirmed as he takes giant leap after winning the PGA Championship

Aaron Rai emerged as the unexpected winner of the PGA Championship as he claimed his maiden major title.

Rai was competing for the Wanamaker Trophy against a handful of high-profile names on Sunday, but he rose to the very top of the leaderboard with a commanding display.

The Englishman, who secured his only other PGA Tour win at the 2024 Wyndham Championship, ultimately triumphed by three shots.

Rai has just earned $3,690,000 and 750 FedExCup points for his victory, but he’s also taken a giant leap in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

Aaron Rai makes top 15 debut after PGA Championship win

Rai was 44th in the rankings ahead of the PGA Championship at Aronimink, but he now finds himself up in 15th.

It represents a career high for the Englishman, with a top 10 debut now very much a possibility for the 31-year-old in the near future.

Also earning significant rankings rises are Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley, who finished three shots behind Rai in a tie for second.

The Spaniard, who is a former world number one, has climbed from 20th to 12th, while the American has jumped from 78th to 42nd, his career high.

They deserve huge credit for their displays, but it is Rai who is rightfully in the spotlight after his five-under 65 on Sunday sealed a dream victory.

The champion finished his week with one eagle, 22 birdies, 35 pars, 13 bogeys and one double bogey across his 72 holes.