A chance encounter with Aaron Rai at the Women's Indian Open last October revealed a man content to stay out of the spotlight. He was caddying for his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, after she missed the cut at the DLF Golf and Country Club. Despite the disappointment, Rai, known as golf's 'Mr Nice Guy,' remained composed, waiting patiently for a quiet nod from his spouse.
Ironically, while Rai later stole the limelight at the Masters Par-3 contest, it was Gaurika's tee shot and her playful 'hip-bump' follow-through that amused the Augusta crowd and went viral online. This give-and-take dynamic culminated in a historic moment at the Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, where Rai calmly navigated a crowded leaderboard. With gloves on both hands, he climbed the metaphorical '72 Rocky steps' to lift the hefty Wanamaker Trophy and claim a $3,690,000 prize.
A Historic Victory
The 31-year-old Englishman shot rounds of 70-69-67-65, becoming the first player in US PGA Championship history to lower his score in each round. A day earlier, tied for second, he had a half-hour conversation with his wife in the car, which proved pivotal for his mindset. An eagle at the ninth hole provided momentum, followed by birdies on 11, 13, 16, and 17. A remarkable 68-foot putt on the 17th effectively sealed his victory, celebrated with a modest fist pump. 'It seemed everything conspired to get that into the hole,' Rai remarked.
During the press conference, a surreal moment occurred when Rai saw his name near Tiger Woods', evoking memories of the idol he had admired since age five. 'I wouldn't be here with a Major trophy without Gaurika,' he said with a trademark grin.
The Foundation of Success
Rai's journey is rooted in discipline and humility. He recalled advice from Danish journeyman Soren Kjeldsen during a practice round in 2018: 'The game always knows. If things aren't right in your personal life, the game finds you out. Stay true, keep focused, and work hard. The game rewards you if you are.' This philosophy guided Rai through his career.
Before his PGA triumph, Rai cherished practice rounds with his father, Amrik Singh, who quit his job to support his son. 'In 2021, I played my first Open at Royal St George's. My dad and I walked down the 18th fairway with all the stands deserted. That was really special,' Rai recalled. Similarly, before the 2025 Masters, father and son lingered on the course until dusk at Augusta. 'Sharing those quiet moments with him were the highlights.'
An emotional high came in 2017 when he won the Kenya Open on Mother's Day, with his mother Dalvir present. 'She was born and raised there and hadn't been back for 46 years. That was most special,' he shared. Until his PGA win, his parents were absent, but Gaurika stood by his side.
Quirks and Identity
Rai wears two gloves, a habit from fighting off the English winter as a child. He also uses plastic iron covers to remember his roots; his father sacrificed to buy quality clubs and cleaned the grooves with baby oil. 'It reminds me where I came from and to respect what I have,' Rai explained.
Proud of his English upbringing, Indian heritage, and Kenyan connections, Rai stated, 'I'm very proud to be a mix of all of them.' His victory earned him a five-year exemption to the Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open, along with a lifetime PGA Championship invitation.
Reactions and Fast Facts
Fellow pros praised Rai. Xander Schauffele said, 'Rarely do you feel like people work way harder than you. That's what it's about to be a major champion.' Rory McIlroy added, 'You won't find one person on property who's not happy for him.'
- The Victor: Rai made six birdies in his last 10 holes for a 5-under 65, winning by three shots at 9-under 271.
- The Spoils: $3,690,000 prize; lifetime PGA Championship exemption; five-year exemptions to the Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open.
- History: First English winner since Jim Barnes in 1919; first non-American winner since Jason Day in 2015.
Final round leaderboard: Aaron Rai (England) 70-69-67-65 (-9); Jon Rahm (Spain) 69-70-67-68 (-6); Alex Smalley (USA) 67-69-68-70 (-6); Justin Thomas (USA) 69-69-72-65 (-5); Ludvig Aberg (Sweden) 72-66-68-69 (-5); Matthias Schmid (Germany) 69-72-65-69 (-5).
Rai, now World No. 15, acknowledged that expectations will rise. 'Golf teaches you so much humility and discipline and absolute hard work because nothing is ever given in this game,' he reminded. Things will change, but for Rai, the core values remain the same.
