US PGA winner Aaron Rai hails Rory McIlroy after being picked for inaugural award

Aaron Rai Picture: Malcolm Mackenzie/PA Wire.

US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai hailed Rory McIlroy as an “inspiration” after becoming the inaugural recipient of an award named after the six-time major winner.

Englishman Rai landed his first major championship with a stunning success at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia in May.

The new Rory McIlroy award is presented to the DP World Tour member who earns the most Race to Dubai points from the Masters Tournament, US PGA Championship, US Open and The Open, with the 31-year-old coming out on top.

“Rory is an inspiration to so many people, including myself. His golf game speaks volumes but the person he is and the way he conducts himself is equally as inspiring,” Rai said.

To be honoured with this award which recognises major championship performances on the DP World Tour and for it to be in honour of Rory really means a lot to me.” 

Rai’s success in Pennsylvania was hugely popular among the golfing world, with the Englishman’s humble approach and hard-working attitude hailed far and wide.

McIlroy said: “His performance down the stretch on Sunday at Aronimink was truly impressive and it would be difficult to find anyone who wasn’t pleased for him.

“He’s always been known on the DP World Tour as a hardworking and talented player and even more so as a fantastic person, so it’s been a pleasure to see what he has done in recent years and particularly this season.”