Aronimink Golf Club, Pennsylvania, USA: Indian-origin English golfer Aaron Rai has been named the first-ever recipient of the Rory McIlroy Award after finishing with the highest combined Race to Dubai points across the four men's major championships in 2026. The DP World Tour announced the honour on July 30.
The annual award, named after Rory McIlroy, recognises the DP World Tour member who earns the most Race to Dubai points from the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open.
Rai secured the award following a remarkable season highlighted by his maiden major victory at the PGA Championship in May. His triumph at Aronimink Golf Club made him the first English golfer in 107 years to lift the Wanamaker Trophy.
Across the four majors, Rai finished 48th at the Masters, won the PGA Championship, tied for 11th at the U.S. Open and shared 79th place at The Open. His performances earned a total of 1,876.5 Race to Dubai points.
New Zealand's Ryan Fox finished second with 1,834 points, ending the season just 42.5 points behind Rai despite winning The Open earlier this month.
Rai's PGA Championship victory also lifted him to a career-best No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and he remained inside the world's top 20 following The Open.
Congratulating Rai, Rory McIlroy praised his consistency, dedication and sportsmanship, describing him as one of the most hardworking and respected players on the DP World Tour.
Reacting to the honour, Rai said receiving an award named after McIlroy was a special milestone in his career. He called McIlroy an inspiration both on and off the golf course and thanked his team for supporting him throughout an unforgettable season.
DP World Tour Chief Executive Guy Kinnings also congratulated Rai, describing his PGA Championship victory as one of the standout moments of the 2026 season.
Rai will officially receive the Rory McIlroy Award from McIlroy during the BMW PGA Championship in September. The new honour joins the European Tour Group's list of annual awards, including the Seve Ballesteros Award, Harry Vardon Trophy, Sir Henry Cotton Award and John Jacobs Trophy.
