Aaron Rai has demonstrated his humble nature after clinching the PGA Championship. The 31-year-old earned millions in prize money but admitted that a celebratory meal at Chipotle would likely be his first purchase.
Historic Victory at Aronimink
Rai won the first major of his career by three strokes at Aronimink on Sunday. He became the first Englishman to win the prestigious event since Jim Barnes in 1919. The Wolverhampton golfer had begun the final day in a five-way tie for second place, joining the likes of Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg on four-under-par, one shot behind overnight leader Alex Smalley. Before arriving at Aronimink, Rai’s best result at a major had been sharing 19th place on three occasions.
However, despite entering uncharted territory, he held his nerve to produce a remarkable five-under scorecard on Sunday, finishing on nine-under overall. Rai earned the eye-watering £2.76 million winner’s purse at the PGA Championship but showed his true colours by shunning any lavish plans for a low-key celebration.
Plans for Celebration
When asked how he planned to celebrate his victory, Rai said during his champion’s press conference: "I’m not sure. I haven’t thought that far ahead, just yet. I do love Chipotle on the road. Probably later tonight, if it’s still open, we'll probably go to Chipotle," he laughed.
The 31-year-old’s calmness under pressure saw him secure his second-ever win on the PGA Tour, following his Wyndham Championship triumph in August 2024. Rai, who turned professional in 2012 and joined the PGA a decade later, is notable for two distinct aspects of his game: his use of iron covers and wearing two gloves.
Unique Playing Style
On the latter, he has previously explained that the decision dates back to his childhood. "It started when I was 8 years old. I just happened to be given these two gloves – the guy who actually makes them sent a pair over – and I got into the habit of wearing them," Rai told Golf Monthly. "Then, a few weeks down the line, my dad forgot to put the two gloves in the bag so I had to play with one. It was terrible. I couldn't play, I couldn't feel the grip, so I've always stuck with the two gloves ever since."
Rai has praised his parents extensively for their dedication to his burgeoning golf career from a young age. His habit of using iron covers is another trait that began when Rai was growing up due to the amount of care that his dad put into maintaining his clubs.
"When I was about seven or eight years old, [my dad] bought me a set of Titleist 690 MBs, and they were like £800-£1,000 back then, just for a set of clubs for a kid," Rai said to Golf.com. "I cherished them. When we used to go out and practice, he used to clean every single groove afterward with a pin and with baby oil."
He continued: "I've pretty much had iron covers on all of my sets ever since just to appreciate the value of what I have, and it all started with that first set. Although on the PGA Tour, we get given equipment, and we get given everything that we need, it's more out of principle. The value of not losing perspective of what I have and where I am. The covers are going to stay, I'm sorry."
Rai finished three strokes ahead of Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley at the PGA Championship, securing his place in golf history with a performance that combined skill, composure, and humility.
