MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 8, 2026

Aaron Rai

Quick Quotes

Q. Tell us about the experience of today. Did you expect to do as well as you did?

AARON RAI: The experience was phenomenal. We shared the round with Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm, who had their family and kids out. I was there with my wife as well. Yeah, just a lovely day.

Definitely didn't expect to play quite as well as I did. But my wife was incredible. She read my putts for me. She plays herself. So, yeah, really good teamwork.

Q. So we have to give her credit?

AARON RAI: 100 percent, yeah. Definitely.

Q. What's her name?

AARON RAI: Her name is Gaurika.

Q. And she plays?

AARON RAI: She does.

Q. So playing with two Masters champions, is that a good omen for the week and winning this tournament?

AARON RAI: I think a lot of people just enjoy this tournament for what it means for spending time with the family. For instance, Jon and Patrick just enjoyed it. They didn't really keep their score. It's competitive. Obviously you're trying to do as well as you can, but it's also very different the next four days.

So I'm not sure if it's a good omen or not. But yeah, just really nice to play well, enjoy it and, yeah, just share the experience with my family.

Q. And we haven't talked this week about the big course yet. How are you preparing yourself for getting ready for tomorrow and what is going to be the challenge there?

AARON RAI: I think it tests everything from strategy to your precision with your iron play, your mentality as well. It's a real test of patience. So I think whoever is the most complete golfer this week will probably walk away with the tournament.

So, yeah, it's an absolutely beautiful place and a privilege to be here.

Q. Perfect. Thank you.