Aaron Rai’s plan for PGA Championship prize money speaks volumes | Golf | Sport

Aaron Rai has showcased his down-to-earth character after securing the PGA Championship. The 31-year-old pocketed millions in prize money but confessed that a celebratory visit to Chipotle would likely be his first purchase after winning on Sunday.

Rai claimed the first major of his career by three strokes at Aronimink on Sunday, becoming the first Englishman to triumph at the prestigious event since Jim Barnes in 1919. The Wolverhampton golfer had entered the final day sharing second place on four-under-par, one shot behind overnight leader Alex Smalley. Before arriving at Aronimink, Rai’s finest major result had been sharing 19th place on three occasions. Yet, despite venturing into unknown territory, he kept his composure to deliver a stunning five-under scorecard on Sunday, ending the tournament on nine-under overall. Rai walked away with the staggering £2.76million winner’s purse at the PGA Championship but demonstrated his true colours by not considering any extravagant purchases.

“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 composure when it mattered most secured him his second career victory on the PGA Tour, following his Wyndham Championship title in August 2024. Rai, who turned professional in 2012 and joined the PGA a decade later, is renowned for two distinctive quirks in his game: his use of iron covers and wearing two gloves.

Regarding his gloves, he has previously revealed that the habit 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 spoken at length about his parents’ unwavering commitment to nurturing his budding golf career from an early age. His tendency to use iron covers is yet another trait that is rooted in his formative years, owing to the meticulous care his father took in looking after 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.”