Aaron Rai may have banked the biggest cheque of his career, but the newly crowned PGA champion says his first purchase as a major winner is likely to be a burrito from Chipotle Mexican Grill.
The 31-year-old underlined his famously understated personality after producing a sensational display to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink on Sunday.
Rai carded a brilliant five-under-par 65 in the final round to finish on nine under, three shots clear of Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley.
The victory made the Wolverhampton-born star the first Englishman in 107 years to lift the Wanamaker Trophy, with Jim Barnes the last player from England to win the event back in 1919.
As well as securing a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship, Rai also collected the winner’s cheque worth $3.69million, approximately £2.7million.
Yet rather than plotting an extravagant celebration, Rai revealed his immediate thoughts were focused on a much simpler reward.
Asked how he intended to mark the biggest achievement of his career, he smiled and said: “I’m not sure. I haven’t thought that far ahead just yet.”
Aaron Rai may have banked the biggest cheque of his career, but the newly crowned PGA champion says his first purchase as a major winner is likely to be a burrito from Chipotle Mexican Grill
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GETTY
Before he could say much more, his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, offered a knowing answer from alongside him.
“He’ll probably have Chipotle,” she joked.
Rai laughed and agreed.
Five things to know about British golfer Aaron Rai | GETTYAaron Rai embraces his wife following his PGA Championship triumph | GETTY
“I do love Chipotle on the road,” he said. “Probably later tonight, if it’s still open, we’ll probably go to Chipotle.”
The modest response was entirely in keeping with one of golf’s most distinctive and grounded personalities.
Rai is well known for wearing two gloves and continuing to use headcovers on his irons, a habit that has become one of the defining quirks of his game.
His use of two gloves dates back to childhood after he became so accustomed to the feel that he struggled to play when forced to wear only one.
The iron covers, meanwhile, are a tribute to the values instilled by his father, who bought him an expensive set of clubs as a youngster and meticulously cleaned each groove after practice sessions.
Rai has said he continues to use the covers as a reminder never to lose sight of how much those early sacrifices meant.
Aaron Rai poses with his trophy following his PGA Championship win | GETTY
That humility was on full display again at Aronimink.
Starting the final round two shots off the lead, Rai surged to glory with an eagle at the ninth before birdies at the 11th, 13th and 16th.
The decisive moment came on the par-three 17th, where he holed a remarkable 68-foot birdie putt that all but guaranteed his maiden major title.
“It’s been a bit of a frustrating season, so to be standing here is definitely outside of my wildest imagination,” Rai said.
“My body feels great and I have really enjoyed the course this week. It is phenomenal to be stood here.”
