MYRTLE BEACH CLASSIC

May 8, 2026

Aaron Rai

Dunes Golf and Beach Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Aaron, in with a 4-under 67 in the second round to be 10-under for 36 holes here at the event. How did that round differ from yesterday's round?

AARON RAI: Yeah, definitely a different complexion. A little slower to start with. We started on the back nine today. Felt like the pins were really difficult on the back nine. Got off to a slightly slower start, but really good to still finish a few under par and to turn around.

I think we were 1-over through five holes maybe. Yeah, to still shoot 4-under after that start is really positive.

THE MODERATOR: The day was different today than yesterday. Were you surprised at the scores whether they could be lower or higher? Was that sort of around the right number?

AARON RAI: I thought the forecast was a lot better today than what we expected yesterday. Yesterday turned out to be a lot better, but that definitely changed how the course was set up.

I thought the pins were a little more gettable yesterday. Today they were definitely on some tricky spots on the greens, so, yeah, not surprised at the scoring. It was probably a touch higher today than it was yesterday.

THE MODERATOR: Was there a highlight out there for you in that round today?

AARON RAI: I hit a really good chip shot into the 15th of my third shot on the par-5. Tricky shot. Hit it great to 4 feet and then made birdie. It felt like a nice one to make after making bogey on the previous hole.

THE MODERATOR: You played with Brooks for two rounds. I'm just curious, had you played with him before on tour?

AARON RAI: We've only played together once before. That was at the PGA Championship two years ago.

THE MODERATOR: When you won.

AARON RAI: The year after.

THE MODERATOR: You've been out here on this tour maybe this is your fifth year now? A rookie in '23 I think it was, '22. How much has life changed for you over the last five years?

AARON RAI: Yeah, it's pretty different. It's such a blessing to be playing out here wanted and such a great opportunity. With that, I thought it deserves my full commitment in terms of where I live. I moved over here nearly four years ago now. I practice over here.

Yeah, I mean, that in itself has caused a lot of change in my life. I've been married for just over a year as well. A lot of things have changed, but amazing changes. It's such a privilege to be out here and to be able to compete.

Q. When you come into an opposite field as the only player in the top 50 in the world, do you come in with the mentality that you believe you should win this event? Is there any added extra pressure that you feel that, you know, being the highest ranked player here to perform?

AARON RAI: Not at all. No matter what anyone's world ranking is, whether you are Scottie Scheffler, No. 1, or a little lower down, there's no divine right in golf. Everyone starts at the same playing field on Thursday, and everyone who is in this field is good enough to win. No one has any rights to walk in and play well and compete.

So, yeah, just try to approach it as I would any tournament. Prepare as well as I can and, yeah, just run through as many good routines as I can during the week.

Q. Yesterday you mentioned the injuries you went through earlier in the year, and you put a lot of work into your game and have had the opportunity to be feeling a little bit healthier. It's only two rounds, but how fruitful is it so far to see the results of the work that you've had a chance to put?

AARON RAI: Really positive. Really positive. I think no matter how much you practice at home, you never know quite how it translates. Over the last four weeks or so I've had a couple of starts out on TOUR, and there's been some really good, positive signs.

Just haven't quite managed to do it for three rounds, for four rounds. So there's definitely some good things in there and great start off in this way, but still a very long way to go over the weekend.

Q. This is your first start here. Do you feel like the fans have embraced you a little bit? Have you got some good reactions from them being here, some recognition?

AARON RAI: It's been a lovely environment to play in actually the first two days. I think being in a group with Brooks Koepka, Davis Thompson, who are both very good players. Obviously Brooks is one of the best players in the world.

So it's created a great atmosphere to play in. The group has been a pleasure to be in. Brooks was great with both me and Davis. So, yeah, just a lovely group over the first couple of days and great fans out here.

Q. Do you do anything different this weekend strategy-wise, do you think?

AARON RAI: Not a huge amount. I'll have to check what the forecast is over the next couple of days. That definitely determines quite a bit around a golf course like this. It can play in a lot of different ways.

Overall I'll plan to just run through the same things I do over the next couple of days in terms of preparation and, yeah, try and do my best out on the course as well.