Aaron Rye: PGA champion discusses idolizing Tiger Woods, his work ethic and wife’s influence after Aronimink glory | golf news

Aaron Rye was delighted to see his hard work pay off as he followed “Idol” Tiger Woods to win the PGA Championship.

Rye’s three-stroke victory at Aronimink Golf Club made him only the second Englishman to claim the major title and the first in more than a century, following Jim Barnes, who won in 1916 and 1919.

The 31-year-old – the first non-American to win the PGA Championship since Australia’s Jason Day in 2015 – was a popular winner from Pennsylvania after a decade of domestic dominance.

Xander Schauffle, the 2024 PGA Champion, praised his work ethic while Jon Rahm, who finished second at six under par, said he had heard “good or great things” about Rye.

The man himself delighted in following in the footsteps of Woods — a four-time winner of the PGA Championship in 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007 — as Rye often watched footage of the 15-time major champion as a child.

Speaking at his press conference, Rai told reporters: “I don’t think we still have the tapes, but we used to watch them a hell of a lot, probably two, three times a week, if not more.

“He’s obviously such an icon and such a huge figure in the game. At the time, he was someone who was super-human, who was very much someone that I really idolized.

“I was in awe of everything he could do to put my name on this trophy with him. It’s really incredible.”

‘I wouldn’t be here without my wife’

Rye — whose final round, 5-under 65 included a 70-foot birdie putt on the 17th and a 40-foot eagle on the ninth — credited her perseverance and nurturing personality traits that were admired by her peers after her win at Aronimink.

He then added: “Golf itself is a very humbling game. There’s a lot of hard work and discipline that goes into getting better at it.

“You also realize that nothing is ever given in this game, whether it’s the tournament, the practice round, even away from the tournament week.

“There are a lot of people who work extremely hard. The level on the PGA Tour is so strong, so it’s a prerequisite to try and compete here.

“Knowing the things we’re doing is very reassuring and leading to continued development within the game. Hopefully I can continue along a pretty similar path moving forward.”

During an elaborate press conference, Rai also said that he could not have won his first major without the support of his wife Gaurika Bishnoi, herself a professional golfer.

He said: “He’s been incredible. I’m not exaggerating when I say I wouldn’t be here without him.

“As a partner, as a friend, as someone I share my life with, but also as a real support system for my game. His mindset, his advice, his thoughts, strategies or the way I hold myself is absolutely invaluable.

“Yesterday we had a conversation in the car for maybe 30 minutes right before we got back to the hotel. Some of the things he mentioned really stuck with me today.”

Rye is not fueled by potential Ryder Cup appearances

Rye has significantly boosted his hopes of a Ryder Cup debut at Adare Manor in 2027 but is not dismissive of what lies ahead.

He added: “I consciously try not to focus too much on it. These things are always around, whether it’s the Ryder Cup, the next event, the next major.

“They’re things you can never completely ignore but I try not to focus on them as the real motivation to push me forward.

“I hope to proceed in the same way in terms of practice, training, application towards the game and we’ll see where it takes me.”

What they said: ‘Rae was basically flawless’

Sky Sports’ Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley:

“If the course is firm and fast, he has a chance at the US Open and the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

“A lot of players, a little bit of luck, slow it down. But you’re going to come back against a guy who hits it down the fairway, never gets out of position and holes a few putts.

“Rae doesn’t really have a heartbeat. He goes about his business and is a fantastic player. He will be a fantastic addition to the European Ryder Cup team.”

David Howell of Sky Sports Golf:

“Aaron got on this great course, played to his strengths and kept it on the straight and narrow.

“He ignored everyone else who was out there bombing with the driver. They did it with power and distance. He did it with precision.

“He played great and his iron game was great. He was basically flawless.”

Jon Rahm, who finished second at six under par, three strokes behind Rye:

“I’ve heard nothing but good or great things about Aaron Rye. He’s playing great golf.

“He’s a great golfer. He’s been able to perform really well. What he did today was nothing special.”