Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Aaron Rai returns to Yas Links aiming to emulate the form and performance that proved catalytic to claiming the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last year.
The golfer remained modest on Wednesday in his media interaction despite a phoenix-like rise in the past 12 months, adding a major PGA Championship title in May, months after winning the 2025 Abu Dhabi title.
The Englishman’s victory in the UAE last season acted as a springboard for a landmark year, culminating in a major breakthrough at the PGA Championship. Reflecting on the period since his Abu Dhabi triumph, Rai acknowledged the momentum shift despite a slow start to the campaign.
Ranked fifth in the Race to Dubai standings, nonetheless, Rai said he is not content with how his season has gone so far.
"This year was a real slow start to the season, quite up-and-down. Some challenges, as well, with some injuries, and then I started to play some really good golf at the PGA Championship, which was a real highlight of the year and my career," Rai said.
"I don't feel like it's changed my style as a golfer that much. I still try to play events in a similar way and approach events in a pretty similar way. It's definitely helped give an extra layer of belief."
World No.3 and crowd favourite Rory McIlroy remains in search of an elusive first title in the emirate despite numerous close finishes over the years (10 top-10 finishes in 14 starts).
When asked if he had any advice for the Northern Irishman ahead of the week, Rai dismissed the notion that four-time major winner McIlroy required guidance.
"I don't think Rory needs too much advice from any of us playing. He's a phenomenal player, one of the greatest players to ever play this game," Rai said. "In golf, no matter how well you play, sometimes you need a few things to go your way here and there, and his time will come very, very soon whether it's this year or in future years. Yeah, no advice to him. But hopefully things kind of fall his way, and I'm sure he'll get one of these very soon."
Rai’s performances have seen him being pitchforked for selection to the European team for the Ryder Cup, but the Indian-origin golfer said he is not looking far ahead and his emotions remain in check.
