Aaron Rai reacts after winning the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink, becoming the first English player in 109 years to win the Wanamaker Trophy.
Rai reflects on the pride of ending England’s long wait, the pressure of the final holes, his incredible putt on 17, the key bunker shot on 13 and the 5-iron approach on 16 that helped seal his first major championship.
The new PGA champion also opens up emotionally about his family, saying he would not be here without his parents and the sacrifices they made. He explains how his father quit his job to support his golf from a young age, while his mother worked long hours to provide for the family.
Rai also pays tribute to his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, calling her an invaluable support system for his life and his golf. He talks about his Indian, Kenyan and English roots, his famous iron covers and two gloves, his Me and My Golf coaches, the Tiger Woods VHS tapes he watched as a child, and why he might celebrate the biggest win of his career with Chipotle.
Above all it shows how important family is for supporting and enabling success. When the support isn't there these achievements are almost impossible. An amazing testament to human compassion and kindness. That's what makes the man and that is why he is such a great person.
He is a fresh looking golf champion its gonna be great for golf n being Asian heritage I know where the personality came from.
These comments have restored faith in humanity for the day 🙂 How nice to see so many humans appreciate a good human
What a great interview. I have followed his career for a few years now, but I have never heard him speak before.
Just goes to show that nice guys can come first . Great job Aaron . More to come 😊
Congratulations Aaron, what a round of golf. You dont have to be an arrogant prick to be a professional athlete, try to stay humble young man.
As a former baseball player, and weekend golfer since the age of 15, I've always wondered why only one glove? Googled pros wearing 2 gloves and there was Aaron Rai. Started wearing two gloves and following his career. It just goes to show that anyone can be successful if you work your butt off, stay humble, and stay true to yourself.
such a great human being!
If Chipotle doesn't try to sponser Aaron, they will have missed a great opportunity. What a tremendously well spoken and humble individual.
The majority of the questions and answers were about his upbringing and his parents support of his golf career. Yet they didn't show up for this tournament?
Great interview, game, and work ethics. Huge congratulations!
why do golfers insist on wearing their cap during winners interview? well done all the same.
Brilliant speaker. Hope you Americans follow how our language, ENGLISH, should be spoken.
good guy good win good weekend
A humble and classy guy.
Love to see Aaron and West Midlands success (I grew up nearby in Kidderminster). Congrats also to Andy and Piers – I'm sure that was fun (and stressful) for them. Hope Aaron can kick on now and secure his RC team spot at Adare Manor next September. The bunker shot on #13 was my favorite – so many others failed to get it up on that top level. 6 under for the final 10 holes deserves that big trophy.
Gran golfista y mejor persona. Un ejemplo para los jóvenes y una gran noticia para el deporte en general. Todo el mundo debe alegrarse por ver ganar a éste señor.
So happy to see a new name win a big game. Such a respectful and beautiful human. #PGA tour
most guys on tour were rooting for this guy, probably the most liked guy on tour.
Congratulations Aaron. And thank you for being you. Best of Luck. 🍀
Well done, Aaron, Hope you win many more. Gary Player was over the moon when he was handed the trophy, then you know you played well and more so what a humble person and example Aaron is.
Nice man and very calm.
what a spectacular man…so humble, so nice….a very refreshing change…glad he is English too..:)…so very well done Aaron!
This guy is the best human to walk onto a golf course
The PGA has got to get back to Aronimink in the next 10 years or so. The Greens crew presented a great test for the tour!
Loved this video, keep up the great work!
I feel like being a better human, after watching this interview. Wow. Wow.