Shropshire Star

Aaron Rai: India win would be dream come true

Golfer Aaron Rai is aiming for victory on ‘his favourite course in the world’ as he prepares to return to European Tour action.

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The 24-year-old, a former Shropshire & Herefordshire junior, plays in the Hero Indian Open from tomorrow.

And he would love to be holding the trophy on the 18th green of The Gary Player Course at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon on Sunday.

Patshull Park member Rai said: “It is in incredible shape and is probably my favourite course in the world. It is very scenic to walk around, but more importantly it is a great course, a great test, so you have to be on.

“My grandparents from both my mum and dad’s side were born in India, so back home as well I have family with Indian heritage, so to even compete in India is a blessing.

“So if it was to happen and go one step further that would be a privilege, especially around a course like this where you need to be on your mental and physical game, so a long way to go but if that did happen it would be incredible and a dream come true.”

Four-time European Tour winner Bernd Wiesberger is hoping to see further improvements in his game this week as he continues his return from injury.

The Austrian missed a large chunk of the 2018 Race to Dubai season with a wrist problem but has managed to play nine events so far this campaign and he is pleased with his progress.

Meanwhile, South African Brandon Stone is excited to be in India for the first time this week and the 2018 Scottish Open winner hopes to be in the shake-up in Sunday’s final round.