Aaron Rai and Joakim Lagergren on top of BMW PGA Championship leaderboard
Aaron Rai and Joakim Lagergren have a one-stroke lead over the rest of the high-class field after the opening round of the BMW PGA Championship on Thursday.
Aaron Rai replaces injured Justin Thomas in Hero World Challenge field
Thomas withdrew after revealing last week that he underwent microdiscectomy surgery on his back. He is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season, and no timetable has been set for his return.
Rai, now ranked No. 23 in the Official World Golf Ranking, earned his spot with a strong recent run that includes victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship two weeks ago and a T3 finish at the BMW Championship. He closed his season with a 41st-place result at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday.
The Englishman also recorded 10 top-25 finishes in 21 PGA Tour starts this year.
This will be his second appearance in the Hero World Challenge, held December 4–7 at Albany in the Bahamas and hosted by Tiger Woods. He finished T14 in last year's 20-player field.
Ultra-consistent Aaron Rai honoured with historic Rory McIlroy Award
In recognition of his performances across the four Major Championships in 2026, Aaron Rai has been confirmed as the first recipient of the Rory McIlroy Award.
Aaron Rai becomes first Englishman in more than a century to win PGA Championship
England's Aaron Rai outlasted his rivals in Sunday's final round at Aronimink to claim a maiden major title at the PGA Championship at Aronimink.
Hideki Matsuyama wins playoff to claim second Hero World Challenge title
Hideki Matsuyama edged Alex Noren on the first playoff hole to win the Hero World Challenge for the second time in the Bahamas on Sunday.