“He Could Be Huge for Europe,” Ryder Cup Star Backs Aaron Rai After PGA Championship Glory

May 21, 2026, 12:05 AM CUT

Aug 14, 2010; Haven, WI, USA; Stephen Gallacher hits his tee shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Gallacher believes Aaron Rai is a perfect Ryder Cup fit. The Englishman's win at Aronimink has sparked global praise and comparisons to legendary European captains.

Featuring at the ISPS Handa Senior Open being held at Gleneagles, Gallacher firmly believed that the Wanamaker Trophy holder would be a great addition to the European Ryder Cup team.

“Why would you not want to play with someone of his temperament? You know he's such a nice guy and you'd want to play with a major winner as your partner, wouldn't you? You know he's got the minerals down the stretch and he's very methodical, like JD, we've both played with him quite a bit,” said Gallacher.

“He's got his own way, he's set in his own ways, he's methodical and he does stuff a bit uniquely,” he added.

Gallacher was also fond of Rai’s personality. He noted Rai's ability to stay balanced both on and off the course.

Rai shot a brilliant final-round 5-under 65 at the PGA Championship to secure a three-stroke win over Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley, becoming the first Englishman to win the major in the stroke-play era since Jim Barnes.

“But I think Luke Donald, he's similar to Luke, to be honest. He's kind of like what Luke is like. Very unassuming, very humble. He's just a straightforward guy and a h*** of a player. We've all known he's a good player, but when you win tournaments like that, that takes you up another level,” said Gallacher.

Gallacher was impressed with Rai’s handling of his emotions at the 17th hole of the final round. It was one of the highlights of the tournament as Rai nailed a 68-foot putt.

Rai birdied the 17th hole, and the putt became the second-longest made during the championship weekend. Gallacher labeled Rai as “level-headed,” just like the top players in the game.

Not only Gallacher, but also the 1988 PGA Championship winner praised Rai’s demeanor at Aronimink.

Former PGA Championship Winner Praised Aaron Rai

American veteran golfer Jeff Sluman’s first PGA Tour title was the Wanamaker Trophy back in 1988. He shot 12-under par and registered a three-stroke victory over compatriot Paul Azinger.

“He just had total control. He understood the golf course better than anybody that day, what to do. And, you know, sometimes there is that intuitive feel for a certain day that you have, and he showed me exactly what he's made of, and, you know, let's stand up and be counted at this point. And he was counted, that's for sure,” said Sluman in an interview on May 20.

Sluman further said that he saw himself in Aaron Rai and particularly liked his steadiness and shot selection.

Both Sluman and Rai won the Wanamaker Trophy at around the same age and displayed immense character to secure their first major.