Aaron Rai and Tiger Woods’ unlikely full-circle story: From old VHS tapes to the PGA Championship winner meeting his childhood golfing hero

Aaron Rai’s road to major championship glory is linked to Tiger Woods’ influence. Woods was a major influence on Rai growing up long before he became a professional golfer, with Rai and his father Amrik often watching VHS tapes of the American star’s performances.That early fascination became part of Rai’s professional motivation. Years later, Rai met Woods in person, a moment that connected his childhood hero worship with his life as a professional golfer. Then came his win at the 2026 PGA Championship, and another big chapter was added to a story that began with those childhood viewings.Inside Aaron Rai and Tiger Woods’ unlikely full-circle story leading to the PGA ChampionshipAaron Rai was born and raised in Wolverhampton, England, in a family where golf was a big part of life. Amrik, his father, had a big role in developing his son's game, searching for information that could help Rai understand golf technique, particularly the mechanics of the swing.That process became a big part of Tiger Woods. Rai and his father would watch old VHS tapes of Woods, including footage of the American’s historic amateur career and major championship wins. The videos enabled young Rai to learn from one of the sport’s most impactful figures, as well as be inspired during his own development.Rai was studying Woods' three consecutive victories at the U.S. Amateur Championship from 1994 to 1996. Another fascination was the way he dominated the major championships in the early 2000s.To Rai, the recordings were more than entertainment. They were part of his education in the sport and helped shape his understanding of what was possible at the highest level.Tiger Woods connection shaped Aaron Rai’s golf journeyAs his own golf career developed, so did his admiration for Woods. The link took on a special significance in 2013 when Rai and his father went to Muirfield for The Open Championship to try and catch a glimpse of Woods during a practice round.The pair are said to have driven through the night and arrived early in the morning. At that stage Rai didn’t get the chance to meet Woods one-on-one, but the experience showed how big a part Woods played in his golfing journey.A decade later, Rai finally got to meet Woods at the pro-am for the 2023 Genesis Invitational. It was an opportunity for Rai to meet the player he had been following since childhood.Rai also walked the final nine holes of one of Woods’ practice rounds at that tournament. Watching Woods took time away from his own professional golfer preparation routine, highlighting the enduring significance of his childhood hero.The two golfers did not have formal mentorship. Woods’ influence was mainly from watching him, his career, his performances and his approach to the game.That distinction makes the story even more important. Rai created his own professional golfer’s persona, bringing with him lessons and inspiration from a player he had watched for years.Aaron Rai’s childhood inspiration leads to PGA ChampionshipRai’s biggest career achievement came as a breakout at the 2026 PGA Championship. He closed with a five-under 65 at Aronimink Golf Club to claim the Wanamaker Trophy.His final round was also part of an unusual scoring achievement. Rai improved his score in all four rounds, moving from 70 to 69, then 67 and finally 65.His consistency gave his victory a significant historical context. Rai’s victory was the first PGA Championship win for an Englishman since Jim Barnes in 1919 and ended a long wait for an English-born champion at the event.The victory also lent more significance to some of Rai's quirky golfing habits, many of which are tied to his upbringing and his relationship with his late father.Rai is known for wearing two gloves when he plays, rather than the single glove worn by professional golfers. The habit started in his childhood in England, when he would wear gloves on both hands to help him get through the cold conditions during practice.Aaron Rai’s historic win honors his family rootsAaron Rai is also still getting covers on his irons. It’s the same practice as his father’s approach to equipment and sacrifices made to get Rai quality clubs when he was young.Those habits have remained with Rai even as he’s risen to elite professional golfer status. They are a reminder of a previous time in his career, of the family support that helped build his foundation in the sport.MilestoneSignificanceChildhoodRai watched Tiger Woods footage with his father, Amrik1994–1996 footageWoods’ three U.S. Amateur victories became part of Rai’s viewing2013Rai and his father travelled to Muirfield to watch Woods2023Rai met Woods at the Genesis Invitational2026Rai won the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf ClubRai’s PGA Championship win is thus not like any other standard breakthrough story. One can see several stages in his success, from being exposed to Woods as a child, to years of pro development, to a long-awaited meeting with his idol, and finally to winning a major championship of his own.The symbolism is even more powerful because Woods was the gold standard for the young Rai, and Rai has carved out his own place in the history of major championships.The link does not mean that Woods was the direct architect of Rai’s success. Instead, it shows how one athlete can shape the dreams of another, long before the two ever share the same professional space.From watching Woods on VHS tapes with his dad to meeting him as an established pro, Rai’s story already had a pretty incredible full-circle moment, and the defining achievement was winning the 2026 PGA Championship, turning that childhood inspiration into one of golf’s most memorable personal journeys.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.