Aaron Rai wins the US PGA Championship and says he does not seek attention
The Wolverhampton-born golfer says his wife’s reassurance helped him handle the pressure before his maiden major victory at Aronimink.
L'essentiel
- Aaron Rai won the US PGA Championship by three shots at Aronimink, taking his first major title.
- He said his wife’s words helped him cope with the pressure and that he remains focused on keeping his life simple.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
Aaron Rai entered the final round tied near the lead at a crowded US PGA Championship leaderboard. He had only one PGA Tour win before capturing his first major title.
Aaron Rai won the US PGA Championship by three shots at Aronimink, claiming his first major title and rising to 15th in the world.
The Wolverhampton-born golfer said the pressure of arriving as a contender was eased by his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi Rai, who told him: "You're ready." Rai said the message was "very powerful" and helped him imagine winning the Wanamaker Trophy.
Rai was not the favourite on Sunday. Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele were all in contention, and 22 players were within four shots of the lead in a record congested leaderboard. But Rai pulled away after making eagle on the ninth and finished six under through his last 10 holes.
Speaking from home four days later, Rai said the response to his win had been "a little overwhelming" and that he was "blown away by the amount of reaction."
Rai met his wife at the 2018 Indian Open and they married last summer. He said she has always been honest with him and that her advice was reassuring during a period of major change.
Unlike many professional golfers, Rai does not have an agent and says that will not change. He handles his own affairs, with support from British golf instruction company Me and My Golf.
The victory added $3.7m (£2.8m) to his bank balance, but Rai said he does not plan any lavish spending. He said he loves his house in Jacksonville and would not change his imported UK car.
Rai also said he has not yet received the Wanamaker Trophy because it has "a little bit of damage" and needs to be fixed before it is handed over. The winner of the championship keeps the original for a year and receives a replica to keep.
À surveiller
Perspective IA — des possibilités, pas des certitudes
Rai will continue to face increased media attention after his major win.
Très probable · En quelques jours
He will eventually receive the original or replica Wanamaker Trophy after the damage is fixed.
Probable · En quelques jours
Rai is unlikely to make major lifestyle changes or hire an agent immediately.
Possible · En quelques semaines
Questions ouvertes
- What damage did the Wanamaker Trophy sustain?
- When will Rai receive the original or replica trophy?
- How will the win affect Rai’s schedule and sponsorships?
