Rai recalls father’s 'There is nothing that you cannot achieve' ahead of DP World India Championship

Aaron Rai, 31, told reporters at a press conference at the Delhi Golf Club on Tuesday, ahead of this week’s DP World India Championship, that “There is nothing that you cannot achieve — that was my father’s big message. There shouldn’t be any limitations, no matter where you’re from, no matter what you have or don’t have,” he said.

Rai returned to the National Capital Region this year to compete himself after carrying the bag for his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, at last year’s Hero Women’s Indian Open. The 31-year-old said his profile has risen considerably since that visit. In May, Rai stunned the golfing world by winning the PGA Championship, becoming the first Englishman to lift the title since Jim Barnes in 1919. Rai acknowledged that the historic triumph had changed his life.

He attributes much of his success to his parents, Amrik and Dalvir, who are of Indian descent. Despite their limited financial means, they made significant sacrifices to support his golfing ambitions. Rai has repeatedly credited his family’s support as central to his development.

Rai is described on tour as soft-spoken and among the nicest men around, and he has sought to remain grounded and approachable while holding on to the values instilled in him. He is among a rare breed of golfers who uses iron covers to appreciate the true value of his equipment. Those practices, he said, reflect the lessons he draws from his upbringing.

“Society can put you into boxes of what you can and cannot achieve, which creates limitations. But if you are really diligent and disciplined, every single person has a huge amount of potential that can be fulfilled,” he added. “I think every person has that responsibility to try and be warm, and try to set good examples. We don’t understand the positivity that can create for someone else and the ripple effect that can have,” he said.

Rai is among the leading contenders at this week’s DP World India Championship. He has returned to the National Capital Region this year to compete himself.