Aaron Rai, the 31-year-old golf champion who secured a stunning victory at the US PGA Championship, has been fondly remembered by his former teachers at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Rai, who has ties to Wombourne and Perton in South Staffordshire, finished three shots clear of the field to claim $3.69 million (approximately £2.76 million) in prize money. His win on Sunday, May 17, made him the first English winner of the US PGA in over a century.
Early Days at School
Kathy Dyer, Rai's first form tutor when he started at Wolverhampton Grammar School in 2006, described him as a determined youngster who was regularly picked up by his father from school to head straight to golf practice. She recalled that the then-11-year-old was 'very much the same as what he is today – very quiet, very humble, very polite, just a true gentleman'.
Mrs Dyer, who is also the head of girls' games at the school, noted that Rai's father would pick him up from the sports hall two or three times a week, often during break time, to take him off for golf. As Rai reached the age of 16, he had to make a decision between pursuing a professional golf career and continuing his education. He chose to balance both, receiving A-level maths tutoring from the school's deputy head, Peter Hills, on Tuesday afternoons.
Gratitude and Records
As a gesture of thanks, Rai later invited Mr Hills and his son Michael to play golf with him at a local course. Mrs Dyer added that Rai's name is frequently mentioned in the staff common room, especially after his major win. She also recalled how Rai set a world record at age 15 by making 207 consecutive 10-foot putts, a feat that was celebrated in assembly but handled with characteristic humility by Rai.
School Pride
Nic Anderson, the head of Wolverhampton Grammar School, remembered interviewing Rai for a place at the school in 2006. He expressed immense pride in Rai's achievement, noting that Rai's father was his first and only supporter in the early days. Anderson said, 'We're incredibly proud. He played golf all the time. His dad was very much his first and only supporter in the early days. And then, as he rose through the ranks, I know he had a number of coaches who influenced him. But I'd hope as a school, we were very supportive at the time for him to achieve what he has achieved.'
Anderson also mentioned that while the school hasn't made a big announcement due to exam season, they plan to celebrate Rai's success in a future assembly.
National Recognition
Rai's victory attracted congratulations from high-profile figures, including the Royal Family and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Royal Family's X account posted, 'Congratulations Aaron Rai on your extraordinary PGA Championship win!' Sir Keir Starmer also posted, 'History maker. Congratulations Aaron Rai on your extraordinary win at the PGA Championship, the first English golfer to win for 107 years.'
