Aaron Rai's wife makes revelation about English golfer after sublime PGA Championship win

Gaurika Bishnoi has revealed the qualities that convinced her husband Aaron Rai was destined to become a major champion after his stunning victory at the PGA Championship.

Rai made history at Aronimink Golf Club by becoming the first Englishman to lift the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919.

The 31-year-old from Wolverhampton produced a sensational final-round 65 to finish on nine under par, three shots clear of Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley, with Rory McIlroy among the star names left trailing in his wake.

Bishnoi, a professional golfer in her own right, said Rai's relentless work ethic and unwavering consistency have always marked him out as someone capable of winning one of golf's biggest prizes.

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"He's one of the hardest working guys out there," she told Today's Golf.

"The way he conducts himself doesn't change. Whether he wins or he misses the cut, he's still going to go out and do exactly the same thing.

"For him, the game is bigger than any trophy.

"We always believe that he has the game and, more than that, that he has the work ethic of a champion."

Rai began the final round two strokes behind the leader and briefly appeared to be losing ground after reaching the turn in one over par.

But an eagle at the ninth transformed his challenge and sparked a remarkable charge.

He added birdies at the 11th, 13th and 16th before effectively sealing victory with a stunning 68-foot putt at the 17th.

Bishnoi admitted she was especially impressed by her husband's composure when things were not initially going his way.

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"The way he was carrying himself and the way he was so calm and composed after the first eight holes, when things were not tipping towards his way, that was enough win for me," she said.

"Even if we wouldn't have lifted the trophy today, I knew that he's ready to lift it very soon."

Rai's triumph was worth $3.69million and secured him a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship.

Known for wearing two gloves and continuing to use iron covers, Rai has built a reputation as one of the most meticulous players in the sport.

His understated personality was reflected in his emotional tribute to Bishnoi after receiving the trophy.

"I'm not exaggerating when I say that I wouldn't be here without her," Rai said.

"Both as a companion, as a friend and as someone I'm sharing my life with, but also as a real support system for my game.

"She's a professional golfer herself, so her mindset, her advice and her thoughts are absolutely invaluable."

Rai revealed that the pair had spent half an hour discussing strategy in the car on Saturday evening after he dropped a shot late in his third round.

"Some of the things that she mentioned in the conversation were really with me today," he added.

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