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Aaron Rai's 30-minute private chat with pro golfer wife before PGA Championship win
Reach Daily Express | May 18, 2026 7:39 PM CST

Aaron Rai has revealed the impact of his "incredible" pro golfer wife Gaurika Bishnoi and the 30-minute conversation they had after his penultimate round on the way to winning the PGA Championship. The 31-year-old was part of the chasing pack heading into Sunday at Aronimink before he managed six birdies and an eagle to finish -9 over the four days.

The Englishman celebrated with his caddie Jason Timmis before sharing a warm embrace with his wife Gaurika and speaking about how important she is. Rai said: "She's been incredible. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I wouldn't be here without her. Both as a companion, as a friend, as someone I'm sharing my life with, but also as a real support system for my game.

"She's a professional golfer herself. So her mindset, her advice, her thoughts, whether it's technique or the way I'm holding myself is absolutely invaluable. She encompasses so many different sides in her opinions.

"We even had a conversation yesterday for probably 30 minutes in the car just before we got back to the hotel, just speaking a little bit about today. Again, some of the things that she mentioned in the conversations were really with me today. Yeah, I really wouldn't be here without her."

Gaurika competes on the Ladies European Tour and has collected eight wins since turning professional 10 years ago. Rai finished three shots above Alex Smalley and Jon Rahm to claim his first major championship in Pennsylvania with Ludvig Aberg, Justin Thomas and Matti Schmid finishing on -5 while Cameron Smith, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy all ended at T7.

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The 2026 Masters winner was unable to replicate his strong second and third rounds on the final day as he only hit just under-par. That was what ultimately allowed Rai to triumph with a sensational 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th setting him up for victory.

Speaking just ahead of Rai's win, McIlroy said: "Aaron is getting away from the field a little bit and looks like he's going to win, which is great. You won't find one person on property who's not happy for him."

Courtesy of his triumph, Rai has claimed 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 also receive a replica Wanamaker trophy and is the first English-born golfer to claim the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919.


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