[Photo: Jamie Squire]
Aaron Rai might not be one of golf’s biggest names, but it became clear in the aftermath of his surprising PGA Championship victory that he’s one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour.
Players from Rory McIlroy to Xander Schauffele praised their peer for both being a gentleman and for his work ethic. And it was Schauffele who offered an amazing story that exemplified the latter and helped explain why Rai was left hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy at Aronimink.
RELATED: The clubs Aaron Rai used to win at Aronimink
Minutes after finishing his final round, Schauffele was asked for his thoughts on Rai. Here was his answer:
“I’m assuming he’s going to get it done. I’m super-happy for him. He’s such a good dude. Rarely do you see people work really hard. I mean, that’s not fair. Rarely do you feel like people work way harder than you, is what I was trying to say.
I feel like I’ve played a pretty good amount of time, and Aaron is always there. He’s always in the gym. He’s always on the range. He’s always – you know, at the Scottish [Open], I’m staying right on site there. I thought it was fun for Austin and I to go putt. Aaron is finishing up his little putting session at 9pm and going to the gym at 9:45.
This was three years ago. I think that’s what it’s about to be a major champion. You puts the work in when nobody’s looking. Super-pumped for him and his team.”
Wow. Putting until 9 at night, going to the gym at 9:45 after a long day at the golf course? Just another daily grind for this guy.
Rai was already a two-time DP World Tour winner at the time, but he would win his maiden PGA Tour title a year later at the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
Schauffele wasn’t the only one who shared a tale about Rai’s commitment:
“He’s such a nice guy,” Schauffele added. “All-world gentleman, no doubt.”
And now a major champion to boot.
