Aaron Rai's PGA Championship victory at Aronimink has thrown him into early contention for a Team Europe debut at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland. The 31-year-old became the first English winner of the Wanamaker Trophy in 107 years, finishing three shots clear of Jon Rahm, and climbed to world No 15. Europeans also claimed the first two majors of the year for the first time in the modern era.

Luke Donald's squad for the centenary contest faces a tough selection decision. Vice-captain Edoardo Molinari confirmed Rai was on the 2025 shortlist but lost out to stronger form from the Rome-bound players. Molinari now expects him to be back in contention for Adare Manor, saying it was a shame he missed 2025 but "if he keeps playing the way he is now, he'll be there."

Rai's career arc reads like a Ryder Cup blueprint. He's the fourth English major winner this century, following Justin Rose, Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick, all of whom featured in the next European Ryder Cup. Molinari called him the only player he knows who improved for eight consecutive years. At 31, Rai looks set to follow the same path.