"Damage on the Trophy": Aaron Rai Reveals Why PGA Championship Trophy Never Arrived
Aug 3, 2025; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Aaron Rai waves to the crowd after his final putt on the 18th green during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images
Aug 3, 2025; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Aaron Rai waves to the crowd after his final putt on the 18th green during the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images
The 2026 PGA Championship concluded with a historic triumph for Aaron Rai. However, the champion left the tournament grounds without his physical prize.
The Englishman made history by claiming the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy at Aronimink. Despite his remarkable victory on Sunday, May 17, he remains separated from his sterling silver hardware.
"We actually haven't received it yet," Rai stated during the call.
Speaking with British media in a Golfweek Report, Rai highlighted structural issues as the core reason.
"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," the newly crowned champion clarified that minor imperfections were spotted near the very top.
May 12, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Aaron Rai plays a shot from a fairway bunker on the eighth hole during a practice round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
May 12, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Aaron Rai plays a shot from a fairway bunker on the eighth hole during a practice round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Officials wanted to fix the misalignment before transit. The PGA of America confirmed that the trophy lid was not perfectly aligned with its base.
The organization noted that Rai's name is already engraved on the band. The 27-pound artifact has been sent to a silversmith for necessary adjustments.
The Replica Rule and Wanamaker Mishaps
The restoration process should take about two weeks, as reported by Golfweek. The standard procedure allows the champion to hold custody of the massive trophy for one entire year.
"We look forward to reuniting Aaron with his well-earned replica Wanamaker trophy in about two weeks," the PGA of America stated.
Rai can keep the Wanamaker Trophy only until May 17, 2027, after which he must return it to Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas, ahead of the next PGA Championship. In return, the PGA of America will present him with a replica of the trophy.
This specific protocol regarding smaller replicas began in 2009 with Y.E. Yang. Before this rule change went into effect, PGA champions had to purchase replicas themselves if they wanted one.
The modern rule ensures players retain a permanent 90 percent replica after returning the original 27-pound artifact. This guarantees the historical hardware stays protected for future generations.
This is not the first time something has gone wrong with the Wanamaker Trophy. The previous incident dates back to the time when the famous golfer Walter Hagen lost the whole trophy back in 1925.
For Rai, his victory is highly important for his nation since he is the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes won in 1919.
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Written by
Abhishek Sharma
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar