Masters debut "dream come true" for local golf sensation Aaron Rai
Wolverhampton golf sensation Aaron Rai says it's a "dream come true" as he prepares for his first ever Masters on Thursday.
Rai, who is a former Shropshire & Herefordshire junior, will tee off at 13:52 BST alongside JT Poston and former Open winner Cameron Smith at Augusta.
The 30-year-old has raced to new heights since claiming his first PGA Tour success with a come-from-behind victory at the Wyndham Championship in August last year.
He also collected his biggest pay cheque of the season as he finished tied 11th in the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month.
Now, Rai will be competing on the biggest stage of all and heads into his Masters debut in solid form.
But amid the dream-like scenario has he propelled himself into, Rai will be sharing the experience with those who've played a key role in his remarkable golfing journey.
"My dad will be there and a couple of family members and my coaches - there will be six or seven of us in total and it will be great to share that with them," he said in an interview with DP World Tour.
"I've been with my coaches for almost 20 years now. My physio is also there, I've been with him for 15 years.
"So it's a real nice week for everyone to share together because they've been part of this journey for such a long time now.
"To be at an event like the Master for the first time with all of those guys that have played a big role will be really special and something I'm looking forward to.
“It’s a dream come true to be there and I'm sure that’s the case for pretty much everyone that plays there for the first time so I'm definitely looking forward to it."
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