There was a real buzz and sense of pride at the 3 Hammers golf complex in Wolverhampton, the old stomping grounds of Aaron Rai, who on Sunday became the first Englishman since 1919 to win the US PGA Championship.
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 phenomenal to think of how many things have gone into it and extremely rewarding to be stood here,” he told Sky Sports.
For Rai’s childhood coach Darren Prosser, who taught Rai for about two years, it was a proud moment. “Very proud,” he said. “Very pleased for him and his family and it’s great for golf to get one of the nice guys winning it.”
Prosser, who teaches at his own academy in Kingswinford, recalled spotting Rai’s talent early and said his dedication and hand-eye coordination was beyond his years. “When he went up playing on the golf course, he could play all the shots around the green,” he said. “His work ethic, how hard he worked, and guided strongly by his father, Amrik.
“Hitting golf shots for such a young age, like a 13-, 14-year-old kid would probably do,” he said. “I knew that he was going to be a serious player and [I am] just so delighted for him – he’s such a lovely guy.”
Rai’s golfing passion appears to have started almost by accident when he suffered a nasty bruise on his head after playing with his older brother’s hockey sticks. In search for a safer alternative, his mother, Dalvir, bought him plastic golf clubs.
Rai paid credit to his parents and wife in a press conference after his win, describing how is father had quit his job to support his golfing career and been with him “every day that I went to practice from the age of four to five”.
“My mum has been absolutely incredible as well. She worked extremely long hours to just provide for the house,” he said. “I can’t put into words how much they’ve done in terms of support, the care and love. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
In addition to becoming the first non-American to win the Wanamaker trophy on Sunday, Rai landed a $3.69m (£2.76m) prize.
His journey from Wolverhampton to golfing history has already inspired six-year-old Adam Rai Jr, a keen golfer who started training at the 3 Hammers from the age of 18 months. Adam attends the golf club around three times a week and was lucky enough to meet Rai in November 2025.
During the visit, Adam’s dad cheekily told Rai’s team they were related, because of their shared surname, and the family were able to meet the golfer and his family. Adam Sr said: “He’s probably the most genuinely nice, calm very pleasant [person] to be around. Very welcoming.”
Five months later, Adam Sr received a phone call out of the blue from Rai’s father inviting the family to attend the Masters tournament in the US. “It [was] like winning the lottery,” Adam Sr said. Describing his reaction to Rai’s historic win, he said it was “really emotional”.
Adam Jr’s mother, Emma Blower, said Rai’s win showed success was obtainable. “So we’re saying: ‘If Aaron can do it, you can do it,’” she said.
Asked what impact Rai’s win would have on him, Adam Jr said: “Do more golf!”
Prosser and Adam Jr’s trainer, Jess Warren, said Rai’s win would encourage more people, from a diverse range of backgrounds, to consider taking part in the sport.
“Seeing someone from the same training ground reach the top of world golf proves to young golfers that with dedication and practice, anything is possible,” Warren said.
Prosser added: “[Rai] has been mega dedicated and come through the ranks, [and] it’s nice to see that it can actually be done.”
