Former Kenya Open champion ends 107-year English wait for PGA Championship
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 19.05.26. | 08:44
Rai, whose family roots trace back to Kenya through his mother Dalvir Shukla, became the first English golfer in 107 years to win the PGA Championship after producing a stunning final-round performance at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
The Kenya Open’s long-standing reputation as a launchpad for golfing greatness gained another major chapter on Sunday after former champion Aaron Rai scripted history at the US PGA Championship.
Rai, whose family roots trace back to Kenya through his mother Dalvir Shukla, became the first English golfer in 107 years to win the PGA Championship after producing a stunning final-round performance at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
The 31-year-old from Wolverhampton fired a brilliant six-under-par 65, highlighted by a remarkable 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that ultimately sealed the biggest victory of his career.
In doing so, Rai ended an English drought stretching back to 1919 when “Big” Jim Barnes won the tournament during the matchplay era.
The triumph carried special significance for Kenya as Rai remains one of the most emotionally connected international golfers to the country following his memorable victory at the 2017 Barclays Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club.
That week in Nairobi became about far more than golf.
Rai’s mother, Dalvir Shukla, was born and raised in Mombasa before later immigrating to England.
Both sides of his family have Indian roots.
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During his appearance in Kenya in 2017, Rai openly embraced his Kenyan, Indian and British heritage, something that immediately endeared him to local fans.
His Kenya Open victory also marked the first time his mother had returned to Kenya in 47 years, turning the moment into a deeply emotional family reunion that created a lasting bond between Rai and Kenyan golf supporters.
Now, eight years later, Rai’s name has been elevated into golfing history after conquering one of the sport’s biggest stages against a world-class field.
Twenty-one players began Sunday’s final round within four shots of the lead, among them major champions Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Cam Smith and Scottie Scheffler.
Yet it was Rai, ranked world number 44 coming into the tournament, who held his nerve on one of the toughest setups of the season.
The victory further strengthens the growing belief that the Kenya Open has consistently served as a stepping stone for players destined for global success.
Since its inception in 1967, the tournament has evolved into one of Africa’s premier golfing events, having featured on the Safari Circuit before later joining the European Challenge Tour and eventually the DP World Tour calendar.
Over the years, the event has attracted and produced some of golf’s biggest names.
Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros captured the Kenya Open title in 1978 before going on to win five major championships and earn World Golf Hall of Fame status.
Ian Woosnam, who triumphed in Nairobi in 1986, later rose to world number one and won the Masters Tournament in 1991.
Trevor Immelman also used his Kenya Open success in 2000 as a springboard before eventually winning the Masters in 2008.
Rai has now added his name to that growing list, with his PGA Championship triumph becoming yet another reminder of the Kenya Open’s unique connection to golf’s biggest stages.