PGA champion discusses idolising Tiger Woods, his work ethic and wife’s influence after Aronimink glory: Aaron Rai
Aaron Rai was delighted to see his hard work pay off as he followed “idol” Tiger Woods in becoming a winner of the PGA Championship.
Rai’s three-stroke victory at Aronimink Golf Club made him just the second Englishman to claim the title at this major and the first in over a century, after Jim Barnes, who triumphed in 1916 and 1919.
The 31-year-old – the first non-American to triumph at the PGA Championship since Australia’s Jason Day in 2015 after a decade of home dominance – was a popular victor in Pennsylvania.
Xander Schauffle, the 2024 PGA champion, praised his work ethic while Jon Rahm, who finished in a share of second place on six under par, said he has only ever heard “good or great things” about Rai.
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The man himself was just ecstatic to have followed in the footsteps of Woods – a four-time winner of the PGA Championship, in 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007 – with Rai having watched footage of the 15-time major champion frequently as a child.
Speaking in his press conference, Rai told reporters: “I don’t think we still have the tapes, but we used to watch them a hell of a lot, probably two, three times a week, if not more.
“He’s obviously such an icon and such a huge figure in the game. At that point, this was someone who was super-human, who was very much someone that I really idolised.
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“I just remember being in awe just watching all of the things that he could do so to have my name with him on this trophy is incredible really.”
‘I wouldn’t be here without my wife’
Rai – whose final-round, five-under 65 included a 70ft birdie putt at 17 and a 40ft eagle at the ninth – credited the upbringing he was given by his parents for his diligence and the personality traits that were praised so heavily by his peers after his win at Aronimink.
He then added: “Golf in itself is an extremely humbling game. There’s so much hard work and discipline that goes into acquiring the skills to become better.
“You also realise that nothing is ever given in this game at any point, whether it’s a tournament, a practice round, even away from a tournament week. All of these things have to be done diligently and require focus.
“There are a lot of guys who work extremely hard. The level on the PGA Tour is so strong, so it is a prerequisite of what is required to try and compete out here.
