Humble English PGA champ Aaron Rai proud of Indian, Kenyan heritage – and his hard work
First golfer from England to win PGA Championship title since 1919 also attributes his victory to his wife, Indian pro Gaurika Bishnoi
Aaron Rai grew up hard-working and humble in central England, family examples developing the patterns that led to his victory on Sunday at the PGA Championship.
The 31-year-old became the first English golfer since Jim Barnes in 1919 to capture the PGA crown, making four birdies and an eagle in the last 10 holes to produce a four-stroke victory at Aronimink.
“It definitely feels like a journey,” Rai said. “So much goes into it, from being a junior golfer to developing the game to have aspirations of turning professional. Then you realise once you turn professional how good some of these guys are.”
Rai’s father is of Indian ancestry while his mother has Kenyan heritage and growing up in England has made him a mix of all their cultures.
“I’m very proud to be from England. That’s where I grew up. That’s where a lot of my family still live,” Rai said.
“I’m very proud of India and Kenya as well. My mum still spends a lot of time in Kenya. Both of my sets of grandparents from my mum and dad’s side were from India.