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Aaron Rai wins inaugural Rory McIlroy Award
Rai earned the honor after recording the highest Race to Dubai points across golf's four majors
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Pranavi Sharma - Fri, 31, Jul 2026
- 04:23 EDT
- 23
English golfer Aaron Rai / DP World Tour
Indian-origin English golfer Aaron Rai has been named the inaugural recipient of the Rory McIlroy Award after recording the highest cumulative Race to Dubai points across the four men's major championships in 2026, the DP World Tour announced July 30.
The annual award, named after Rory McIlroy, recognizes the DP World Tour member who earns the most Race to Dubai points from the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open and The Open.
Rai secured the award following a breakthrough season highlighted by his victory at the PGA Championship in May. He became the first Englishman in 107 years to win the Wanamaker Trophy after his performance over the closing holes at Aronimink Golf Club.
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He finished 48th at the Masters Tournament, won the PGA Championship, tied for 11th at the U.S. Open and tied for 79th at The Open. Those results earned him a total of 1,876.5 Race to Dubai points across the four majors.
Ryan Fox of New Zealand finished second in the standings with 1,834 points, falling 42.5 points short of Rai. Fox also claimed his first major title this month by winning The Open at Royal Birkdale.
Rai's PGA Championship victory lifted him to a career-high No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking. He remained inside the top 20 following The Open.
McIlroy congratulated Rai on receiving the award.
"I'm delighted that Aaron's achievements this season have been recognised as he becomes the first recipient of the Rory McIlroy Award," McIlroy said.
"His performance down the stretch on Sunday at Aronimink was truly impressive, and it would be difficult to find anyone who wasn't pleased for him."
"He’s always been known on the DP World Tour as a hardworking and talented player, and even more so as a fantastic person, so it’s been a pleasure to see what he has done in recent years and particularly this season."
Rai said receiving an award bearing McIlroy's name was a significant milestone.
"I'm truly honoured to be the first recipient of the Rory McIlroy Award during what has been an incredible season for me and my team," Rai said.
"Rory is an inspiration to so many people, including myself. His golf game speaks volumes but the person he is and the way he conducts himself is equally as inspiring."
"For many years, my focus has been on working hard and continually developing my game. I'm very fortunate to be able to compete on the DP World Tour and continue to relish the opportunities to do so."
"To be honoured with this award which recognises Major Championship performances on the DP World Tour and for it to be in honour of Rory really means a lot to me."
DP World Tour Chief Executive Guy Kinnings said Rai's PGA Championship victory was one of the standout moments of the season and congratulated him on earning the inaugural honor.
Rai will receive the award from McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship in September.
The Rory McIlroy Award joins the European Tour Group's annual honors that include the Seve Ballesteros Award, Harry Vardon Trophy, Sir Henry Cotton Award and John Jacobs Trophy. Because the award is named after McIlroy, he is not eligible to receive it.
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