When Team Europe aims for a historic Ryder Cup three-peat in Ireland next September, Luke Donald could consider golf’s newest major champion, Aaron Rai, as a potential addition to his lineup. Rai secured his maiden major title with a three-shot victory at the PGA Championship, solidifying his status as a serious contender for the Ryder Cup.

Rai was a contender to feature in Europe’s Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black last September but narrowly missed the cut. Now, with his impressive performance at the PGA Championship, Rai has pushed himself into the early conversation for the 2027 Ryder Cup team.

The 31-year-old English golfer became the first English winner of the Wanamaker Trophy in 107 years and moved to a career-high world No. 15. His success marked the first time in the modern era that the first two majors were claimed by Europeans.

Vice-captain Edoardo Molinari expects Rai to be in consideration again for the 2027 contest. “There were, to be fair, a lot of guys in contention [for the 2025 Ryder Cup], including Aaron [Rai], including Harry Hall, Marco Penge - you can name five or six of them,” Molinari told the Sky Sports Golf podcast.

Rai has been described as a golfing prodigy since childhood, with his early success and dedication leading to his recent major victory. Childhood coach Darren Prosser has been supportive of Rai throughout his rise to stardom. “I was just delighted he went all the way last night and saw it through. The way he finished it off [PGA Championship victory] was great,” Prosser told Sky Sports.

Rai claimed his DP World Tour breakthrough at the 2018 Hong Kong Open and added the “I think he’s the only player I know that