I'm so proud of him, says Aaron Rai's childhood golf coach

The childhood coach of Aaron Rai has spoken of his pride at watching his protégé make the history books and become the first Englishman to win the US PGA Championship since 1919.

From the age of seven, the star began honing his craft at the 3 Hammers Golf Complex under the watchful eye of pro Darren Prosser.

"He just picked that course [Aronimink] off fantastically," he told BBC Radio WM's Sarah Julian. "I was hoping it was going to be the day that it all came together for him and I'm so delighted."

The win on Sunday was the first major title of the 31-year-old's career and also made him the first non-American to win the Wanamaker Trophy in a decade.

Looking back on his early years, Prosser said: "I had a great feeling about him, he's such a level-headed guy and everything he does is measured.

"The way he handled himself, the last few holes were brilliant. He kept his emotions in check and all the experience he has gained in the last few years, developing his game, it was brilliant.

"I think he's going to push on now. I'm absolutely lost for words, I'm so proud of him."

His mother Dalvir headed to the shops for plastic versions which she thought would be safer. Instead, she came back with plastic golf clubs - and the seeds of his passion and career were sown.

Rai's talents were spotted at a very early age, and when he won his first tournament aged five - also getting a hole in one - he was interviewed by BBC Midlands Today.

As the crew followed him around the golf course, he chatted confidently to them and when asked what he wanted to be when he was older, cheekily answered: "A racing driver!"

Rai's father Amrik quit his job to devote more time to his son's development on the course, with his mother - who is of Kenyan-Indian descent - working long hours to support things financially.

"I can't put into words how much they've done in terms of the support, in terms of the care, in terms of love. I wouldn't be here without them at all," said Rai.

By the age of 10, he was coached by Andrew Proudman - who also worked in the 3 Hammers pro shop - in tandem with another Wolverhampton pro Piers Ward. The pair still guide Rai to this day.

He won his first European Tour title at the Hong Kong Open in 2018 and his choice of wearing gloves on both hands was soon noticed.

Prosser said Rai's personality was matched to his skill.

"He's very calm, very humble, one of the nicest people you'll ever meet," he said.

Describing the win, Rai, who has struggled to practise at times this year because of a neck injury, told the BBC: "It is very surreal.

"It has been a frustrating season, so being stood here is outside of my wildest imagination."

Continuing his winning streak, last year he saw off Tommy Fleetwood in a play-off to win the Abu Dhabi Championship.

The drive to win was present from an early age, his former teachers at Wolverhampton Grammar School fondly recalled.

"He was so determined when he was at school," his ex-form tutor Kathy Dyer said.

"He would study really hard, but then, most break times, his dad would either pick him up or drop him off at the sports hall because he'd been out playing golf.

"Despite that, he'd still catch up with his schoolwork and he'd do everything that the school ever asked of him.

"He was very humble. He wouldn't speak about his golf unless anybody asked him."

The school's head, Nic Anderson, added: "I always felt he had this quiet determination about him.

"If anybody's going to achieve it, Aaron was going to achieve it. He had ambition and always wanted to be successful at golf."

Addressing his former pupil, he added: "We're so proud to call you one of our own. You're amazing — keep on going, and we look forward to following your progress. We'd love you to win the Masters."