Aaron Rai’s historic PGA win inspires Wolverhampton’s young golfers

A palpable buzz of pride swept through the 3 Hammers golf complex in Wolverhampton on Monday as the facility celebrated being the training ground of Aaron Rai, who on Sunday became the first Englishman since 1919 to win the US PGA Championship.

Rai, 31, secured his first major title with the victory, describing the feat 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 worked with him for about two years, the win marked a profound moment. “Very proud,” Prosser 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 now teaches at his own academy in Kingswinford, recalled recognizing Rai’s talent early, noting that his dedication and hand-eye coordination surpassed his age. “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,” Prosser added. “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 passion for golf emerged almost by accident after he suffered a severe bruise on his head while playing with his older brother’s hockey sticks. Seeking a safer alternative, his mother Dalvir bought him plastic golf clubs.

In a press conference following his win, Rai credited his parents and wife, explaining that his father quit his job to support his golf career and had 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,” Rai 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 claim the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday, Rai earned a prize of $3.69 million (£2.76 million).

His journey from Wolverhampton to golfing history has already inspired six‑year‑old Adam Rai Jr., a keen golfer who began training at 3 Hammers at just 18 months old. Adam attends the golf club roughly three times a week and had the opportunity to meet Rai in November 2025.

During that visit, Adam’s father cheekily told Rai’s team they were related because of their shared surname, allowing the family to meet the golfer and his family. Adam Sr. described Rai as “probably the most genuinely nice, calm very pleasant [person] to be around. Very welcoming.”

Five months later, Adam Sr. received an unexpected phone call from Rai’s father inviting the family to attend the Masters tournament in the United States. “It [was] like winning the lottery,” Adam Sr. said, describing his reaction to Rai’s historic win as “really emotional.”

Adam Jr.’s mother, Emma Blower, said Rai’s success demonstrates that achievement is attainable. “So we’re saying: ‘If Aaron can do it, you can do it,’” she said.

Asked what effect Rai’s win would have on him, Adam Jr. replied: “Do more golf!”

Prosser and Adam Jr.’s trainer, Jess Warren, said Rai’s victory would encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to consider taking up 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.”