Aaron Rai was happy to see his hard work pay off as he followed his “idol” Tiger Woods to victory at the PGA Championship.
Rye’s three-stroke victory at Aronimink Golf Club made him only the second Briton to win the title in this major. It was also the first championship in over 100 years, following Jim Barnes, who won in 1916 and 1919.
The 31-year-old was a popular winner in Pennsylvania, becoming the first non-American to win the PGA Championship since Australia’s Jason Day in 2015 after dominating the home stretch for a decade.
Xander Schauffle, the 2024 PGA champion, praised his work ethic, while Jon Rahm, who finished tied for second at 6 under par, said he had only heard “good or good things” about Rai.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rai’s best performance Sunday in Pennsylvania was a 5-under 65 to win the PGA Championship. Aaron Rai shot a 5-under-par 65 to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club.
The man himself was ecstatic about following in the footsteps of Woods, who won the PGA Championship four times in 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007, and Rai had often watched videos of the 15-time major champion since he was a child.
Lai told reporters at a press conference. “I don’t think we have the tapes yet, but we used to watch them a lot, two or three times a week, maybe more.
“He was obviously a huge icon and a huge figure within the game. At that point, this guy was superhuman and someone I really idolized.
“I just remember being in awe just watching him do everything he could to get my name on this trophy. It was just amazing.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch Rai make a massive 70-foot birdie on the 17th hole
‘If it weren’t for my wife, I wouldn’t be here’
Rai, who shot a 5-under 65 in the final round, earned great praise from her peers after winning the Aronimink thanks to her hard work and the nurturing she received from her parents, with a 70-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole and a 40-foot eagle on the 9th hole.
He added, “Golf is a very humble game in itself. It takes so much effort and training to acquire better skills.”
“You also realize that nothing is given to you in this game, whether it’s a tournament, a practice round or even a tournament week. It all has to be done diligently and requires focus.
“There are a lot of people who work very hard. The level on the PGA Tour is so strong that it’s a prerequisite to compete here and work hard.
“It’s very positive to know that what we’re doing is continuing to evolve within the game, and hopefully we can continue to follow a pretty similar path in the future.”
In a wide-ranging press conference, Rai said he would not have been able to win his first major title without the support of his wife Gaurika Bishnoi, a professional golfer.
“She was amazing. It’s no exaggeration to say I wouldn’t be here without her,” he said.
“As a companion, a friend, someone I share my life with, and also as a true support system for my game. Her mindset, advice, thoughts, whether it’s technique or the way I hold myself, is truly invaluable.
“We talked for about 30 minutes in the car yesterday just before getting back to the hotel. Some of the things she mentioned really resonated with me today.”
Ryder Unfazed by Ryder Cup Potential
Rai has high hopes of making his Ryder Cup debut at Adare Manor in 2027, but isn’t too caught up in what lies ahead.
He added, “I consciously try not to focus too much. Whether it’s the Ryder Cup, the next tournament, the next major, these things are always around.”
“Those are things you can never completely ignore, but I try not to focus on them as the real motivation that drives me forward.
“I hope to continue to move in a very similar way in terms of practice, training and application to the game and we’ll see where that takes me.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rai made a 40-foot eagle putt in the ninth to contest the turn.
What they said: ‘Lai was basically blameless’
Wayne ‘Raider’ Riley on Sky Sports:
“If the course is solid and fast, there is an opportunity to qualify for the US Open and Royal Birkdale Open Championships.
“A lot of players get lucky and get down there, but against a tactician who hits the ball in the fairway and never gets out of position and makes a few putts, you’re going to fail.
“Rye is a real heartthrob. He is minding his own business and is a really great player. He will be a great addition to the European Ryder Cup team.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
In an interview with Sky Sports, Rai said winning at Aronimink was ‘a dream come true’.
David Howell on Sky Sports Golf:
“Aaron showed up on this great course, played to his strengths and kept it straight and narrow.
“He ignored all the other guys bombing there with screwdrivers. They did it with power and distance. He did it with precision.”
“He putt great, his iron play was great. He was basically flawless.”
Jon Rahm, tied for second place at 6 under par, 3 strokes behind Rai:
“I’ve heard nothing but good or great things about Aaron Rai. He’s playing great golf.
“He’s a fantastic golfer. He was able to perform really well. What he did today is truly special.”
