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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Andy Bull in Philadelphia

The nice guy who finished first: why all of golf was glad to see Aaron Rai lift US PGA Championship

Aaron Rai lifts the Wanamaker Trophy
Aaron Rai is the first Englishman to win the Wanamaker Trophy since 1919. Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP

By the time Aaron Rai was walking to the 18th tee, 71 holes into the week, 17 holes into the round of his life, three shots clear, Rory McIlroy was already in the clubhouse doing the media rounds. “Looks like he’s going to win,” McIlroy said, as he glanced at Rai on one of the TV monitors dotted around, “which is great. You won’t find one person on property who’s not happy for him.” He was right. Or at least if there was anyone out there who felt differently, he wasn’t among any of the many men Rai had just beaten to win the Wanamaker Trophy.

“There’s very few people that are nicer and kinder human beings than Aaron,” said Jon Rahm, three shots back. “He’s such a good dude,” said Xander Schauffele, five behind.

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