Aaron Rai is set to begin the new PGA Tour season in Hawaii this week, optimistic about his chances of wrapping up the season as part of Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team in New York.

After clinching his first victory in the U.S. at the Wyndham Championships in August, the British golfer earned his spot at The Sentry Tournament in Maui.

Competing with world-class players in the select 60-man field—all tournament winners from last season and members of the top 50—Rai has his eyes on the staggering $20m top prize, marking another noteworthy climb in his career trajectory. “It is amazing to be here – it is beautiful,” the 29 year old shared.

“The scenery around the golf course is incredible. Obviously with it being a tournament of champions, you’ve either had to win an event or had an amazing year to get here. It is definitely one of those events you grew up watching and dreamed about being here. It is a blessing to be here.”

Rai’s showings on the PGA Tour have not only wowed fans but also piqued the interest of Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Donald—with whom he dined in September—as they bid to capture the trophy at the spirited Bethpage Black later this year. Rai’s last season saw him make the cut in 22 of 26 PGA events with six finishes in the top 10.

“Aaron is a guy who is very dedicated to his craft and meticulous about his work ethic,” Donald stated. “He is a fantastic player – it was great to see him breakout at the Wyndham after knocking on the door. He has always done things in a little bit of a different way as a junior.

“He seems to be in his own bubble which I see a little bit of resemblance in me when I was younger. I think he is a fantastic talent and has got a great chance to make the team.”

Rai, who turned pro at 17 and climbed from the EuroPro Tour to the PGA Tour, prefers to focus on short-term goals. “I think naturally as we get into Ryder Cup year there is always a lot of talk about it,” he told Mirror Sport.

Rai rolled the dice on 18 but could not quite execute as he chased victory

Rai is hoping to get 2025 off to a good start ( 

Image:

Luke Walker/Getty Images)

“It is a huge event and something that is an absolute honor for anyone to be involved in and anyone to be even linked to. So that is a little further away but it is on the horizon.

“But for me, it is important that I try not to focus too much on trying to go out and chase things. I try not to focus too much on finishing in certain places in the FedEx or winning events or whatever it might be. I think for me, I focus on the game and trying to do the right things. Whatever happens in terms of results is a byproduct of that really.”

The season opener’s 60-man field is filled with talent, including Matt Fitzpatrick, Robert MacIntyre, Harry Hall, and Ludvig Aberg, who might join forces at the Ryder Cup. However, top-ranked Scottie Scheffler will miss the event to recover from surgery after a Christmas mishap left him with glass in his hand.

Meanwhile, double major champion Xander Schauffele looks to narrow the gap with the absent FedEx Champion. Regarding the competitive environment, the world No.

2 admitted, “It’s a wild time,” and “Winning two majors and being further away, or closer to the 30th-ranked player than the 1st is hat’s off to Scottie. He’s a beast.”