The Two-Glove Secret: Can Aaron Rai Conquer the PGA Championship?

In the high-stakes world of professional golf, where every millimeter of grip and every ounce of confidence counts, Aaron Rai is making waves—not just with his score, but with a peculiar habit that sets him apart from every other player on the green.

As the PGA Championship reaches its thrilling climax at the Aronimink Golf Club, Rai has positioned himself as a formidable contender for a life-changing major victory. But the real talking point? He is the only man in the field wearing two golf gloves.

A Quirky Tradition with a Purpose

For most golfers, a single glove on the lead hand is the standard. For Aaron Rai, that’s simply not an option. The Englishman has worn two gloves for nearly his entire career, utilizing them for every shot except when putting or hitting from a bunker.

This wasn’t a strategic choice calculated by a swing coach, but rather a childhood habit born from necessity. Rai began wearing two gloves at the age of eight to keep his hands warm during cold-weather practice sessions. What started as a way to fight the chill became an indispensable part of his game.

“I just happened to be given these two gloves… and I got into the habit of wearing them,” Rai shared. “Then, a few weeks down the line, my dad forgot to put the two gloves in the bag so I had to play with one. It was terrible. I couldn’t play, I couldn’t feel the grip.”

The Road to Sunday: Drama at Aronimink

Rai’s Saturday performance was a masterclass in resilience. He posted a 3-under 67, briefly seizing the solo lead in a leaderboard that can only be described as chaotic. However, the final hole provided a dramatic twist.

n
• The Struggle: A missed fairway off the tee and a challenging bunker shot led to a bogey on the 18th.

n

• The Recovery: Despite the setback, a clutch up-and-down saved him from further damage.
• The Standings: He entered the final round at 4-under par, trailing leader Alex Smalley (6-under) by just two shots.

Rai now finds himself in a tight battle with a star-studded group, including names like Jon Rahm and Ludvig Åberg, proving that the tournament is still wide open for anyone with the nerves to close it out.

Can the ‘Two-Glove’ Strategy Lead to Glory?

Currently ranked No. 44 in the Official World Golf Rankings, Rai is no stranger to pressure. After winning the Wyndham Championship in 2024 and securing a T19 finish at last year’s PGA Championship, he has the pedigree to win.

While other players rely on traditional methods, Rai proves that confidence often comes from the most unexpected places. Whether it’s a childhood habit or a psychological edge, the two gloves are staying on. If he manages to lift the trophy on Sunday, the golfing world might just start seeing a lot more double-gloved players on the professional circuit.

Will Aaron Rai secure his first major? Stay tuned for the final round!