Aaron Rai’s US PGA win inspires golf’s next generation in Wolverhampton | Wolverhampton
TThere was a real sense of excitement and pride at the 3 Hammers golf complex in Wolverhampton, the former haunt of Aaron Rai, who became the first Briton to win the US PGA Championship since 1919 on Sunday.
It was the first major title of the 31-year-old’s career, and Rai described it as “truly a dream come true.”
“It’s extraordinary to think how much goes into this and it’s hugely rewarding to be standing here,” he told Sky Sports.
It was a proud moment for Rai’s childhood coach, Darren Prosser, who taught Rai for nearly two years. “It’s very flattering,” he said. “I’m so pleased for him and his family, and it’s great for golf to have one of the good guys win.”
Prosser, who teaches at his own academy in Kingswinford, recalled recognizing Rai’s talent early on and said his dedication and hand-eye coordination were beyond his years.
“When he went out to play on the golf course, he could play all the shots around the green,” he said. “His work ethic, how hard he works and how he is strongly guided by his father, Amrik.
“Making golf swings at such a young age, he’s probably going to do it the same way a 13- or 14-year-old kid would,” he said. I knew he would be a serious actor and [I am] I was so happy for him; He is a very nice man.”
Rai’s passion for golf seems to have started almost by accident, when he suffered a nasty bruise on his head after playing with his older brother’s hockey sticks. Seeking a safer alternative, his mother Dalvir bought him plastic golf clubs.
Rai paid tribute to his parents and wife at a press conference following his win, describing how his father quit his job to support his golf career and was with him “every day I went to practice from the age of four to five.”
“My mom was absolutely incredible too. She worked very long hours just to make ends meet,” he said. “I can’t put into words how much they’ve done in terms of support, care and love. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
In addition to becoming the first non-American to win the Wanamaker award on Sunday, Rai also won the $3.69 million (£2.76 million) prize.
His journey from Wolverhampton to golf history has already inspired six-year-old Adam Rai Jr, a keen golfer who started training at 3 Hammers from the age of 18 months. The man goes to the golf club about three times a week and was lucky enough to meet Rai in November 2025.
During the visit, Adam’s father told Rai’s team that they were related due to their shared surname, and the family had the opportunity to meet the golfer and his family. Adam Sr. said: “He’s probably a really nice, calm, very nice guy. [person] being around. “Very welcoming.”
Five months later, Adam Sr. received a call out of the blue from Rai’s father inviting the family to participate in the Masters tournament in the United States. “IT [was] “It’s like winning the lottery,” said Adam Sr., describing his reaction to Rai’s historic victory, saying it was “really emotional.”
Adam Jr’s mother, Emma Blower, said Rai’s win showed that success was achievable. “So we say: ‘If Aaron can do it, so can you,’” he said.
When asked what impact Rai’s win would have on him, Adam Jr said: “Play more golf!”
Prosser and Adam Jr’s trainer Jess Warren said Rai’s win would encourage more people from different backgrounds to take part in the sport.
“Seeing someone from the same practice course reach the top of world golf proves to young golfers that anything is possible with dedication and practice,” Warren said.
Prosser added: “[Rai] mega dedicated and came through the ranks, [and] “It’s nice to see that this can actually be done.”
