Rory McIlroy leads praise for Wolverhampton's Aaron Rai after historic major win

Newly crowned major champion Aaron Rai has received praise from fellow golf stars, including grand slam winner Rory McIlroy and Staffordshire’s Richard Mansell.

The Wolverhampton golfer won his first major on Sunday, becoming the first Englishman to win the US PGA Championship in more than a century.

The 31-year-old’s stunning final round saw him drain a 69-foot putt on the 17th green, helping him finish the tournament nine-under par and claim the Wanamaker Trophy.

The former Shropshire & Herefordshire golfer has earned praise from fellow competitors and other major champions, including grand slam winner and back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

He said: “You won’t find one person on property that’s not happy for him.”

Rai is not alone in representing the Midlands on the global golf circuit, with Staffordshire’s Richard Mansell, from Burntwood, competing on the DP World Tour.

Writing on social media, Mansell said: “Humble. Congratulations to the two legends. Inspirational! Up the Midlands.”

Born in Wolverhampton, Rai attended Perton Primary School and Wolverhampton Grammar School.

He practised his putting as a youngster on a purpose-built green in his back garden, while honing his skills at 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Coven and on the fairways of Patshull Park.

European Ryder Cup star Ludvig Aberg was Rai’s playing partner during the final round and witnessed him make history.

He said: “He drove it really well, played his iron shots really well, and putted nicely, which is a good recipe to shoot a low score.

“But even some of the shots that he hit - the bunker shot on 13 stands out, flying it all the way. Where you already have a lead, it’s easy to kind of be a little leaving it 12 or 13 ft short, but he goes all the way.

“A couple of really good shots on 16, the put on 17 is crazy. Aaron is a super nice guy and I couldn't be happier for him.”

With his first major win, Rai is sure to put himself in the conversation for a place in Europe’s team for next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.

American competitor Xander Schauffele hailed Rai’s work ethic over the years on his journey to becoming a major champion, recalling the 31-year-old practising until late at night in Scotland.

He said: “Rarely do you feel like people work way harder than you. I feel like I’ve played pretty good amount of time, and Aaron is always there. He’s always in the gym. He’s always on the range.

“At the Scottish, I’m staying right on site there. I thought it was fun for Austin (caddie) and I to go putt. Aaron is finishing up his little putting session at 9pm and going to the gym at 9.45.

“This was about three years ago. I think that’s what it’s about to be a major champion. You put the work in when nobody’s looking. Super pumped for him and his team.”