Aaron Rai – The name has been making headlines as the 2024 edition of the Rocket Mortgage Classic proceeds towards its final round. Since joining the PGA Tour in 2022, Rai has been working hard to clinch his maiden victory on the American circuit. That being said, his last name might attract questions regarding his nationality.

Born on March 3, 1995, in Wolverhampton, England to an immigrant couple (his mother, Dalvir Shukla, and his father, Amrik Singh) Rai was the youngest in a family of six. He had two older sisters and a brother. His mother had to engage in multiple jobs, such as that of a mental health nurse and an aerobics instructor, to support the family. In a similar vein, his father was a community worker with a keen interest in tennis. Aaron, however, chose a different path, thanks to his parents’ support.

Aaron Rai’s growing popularity has garnered the attention of the golf world. One of the most asked questions regarding the golfer is about his nationality and ethnicity. So, is Aaron Rai Indian? Well, Rai’s nationality is English, although his roots trace back to India.

His cultural background is a mix of English and Indian. His Indian roots were confirmed by Rai himself during an interview almost five years ago, ahead of the Hero Indian Open at the DLF Golf and Country Club. Gurgaon, Haryana. In his own words, “My grandparents from both my mum and dad’s side where born in India, so back home as well I have family with Indian heritage, so to even compete in India is a blessing.”

While embracing his English nationality, Rai also holds his Indian lineage in high regard. His strong connection to his grandparents is a testament to his diverse heritage. The man who has been doing so well in the world’s most prestigious golf leagues developed an interest in the sport at the early age of four.

How has Aaron Rai’s life turned out as a golfer?

Before joining the PGA Tour, Aaron Rai showed his swinging magic in the DP World Tour as well. He took the top spot home at the 2018 Honma Hong Kong Open and the 2020 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open. But this journey of becoming a professional golfer and getting into the world’s most prestigious golf leagues wasn’t easy.

According to Aaron Rai, his father has played a huge role in his golfing journey. When he was merely a 7-year-old kid, his father bought him a set of Titleist 690 MBs, which were considered to be one of the best of that time. His father also took assistance from Shaun Ball, a coach at the golf course where Aaron used to practice. His dad didn’t stop there, he reached out to the local newspapers so that Aaron Rai could get some funding to progress in his golf career. The hard work of both father and son started to pay out as Aaron Rai turned pro in 2012.

Now, as he continues his stint in the PGA tour, do you think he can claim his first victory soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.