Rory McIlroy comments on Aaron Rai winning PGA Championship say it all | Golf | Sport
Rai made history as the first PGA Championship winner to improve his score in every round, delivering a stunning 5-under 65 to leave the field trailing in his wake on Sunday. The Englishman sat tied for 15th place at the halfway stage of the season’s second major, but four birdies on the back nine propelled him clear of the pack.
McIlroy struggled to challenge the leaders on the day, even losing his composure and swearing at a spectator, yet was overjoyed to witness Rai lift the trophy.
“Aaron is getting away from the field a little bit and looks like he’s going to win, which is great,” said McIlroy as Rai drained a 68-foot putt for birdie on 17. “You won’t find one person on property who’s not happy for him.”
McIlroy was paired with former Ryder Cup star Xander Schauffele throughout the final round, and the American wholeheartedly shared the Northern Irishman’s sentiments. “I’m super happy for him. He’s such a good dude,” said Schauffele after the final round.
“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, 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 9:00 p.m. 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 put the work in when nobody’s looking. Super pumped for him and his team.”
LIV Golf star Jon Rahm posted a two-under for the day and ended tied-second. Despite coming up just short, he was equally effusive in his admiration for Rai.
“I haven’t spent a lot of time with him,” said Rahm. “But I have heard consistently there’s very few people that are nicer and kinder human beings than Aaron Rai.
“Anybody that wears or uses head covers in his irons because he coveted his irons when he was a kid so much that he wanted to respect the equipment so much, and to still do it? Yeah, exactly, he’s still doing it shows a lot about a person.
“I have heard absolutely nothing but good or great things about Aaron Rai. He’s been playing great golf. He’s a fantastic golfer. He’s been able to perform really well. What he did today is nothing short of special.”
Rai secured a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship and a five-year exemption into the Masters, the U.S. Open, The Open, and on the PGA Tour following his victory. He will receive a replica Wanamaker trophy and a champions money clip. Rai has also become the first English-born golfer to claim the PGA Championship in over a century at Aronimink Golf Club.
