Golf’s Rising Star: Aaron Rai Takes the Lead at the Rocket Mortgage Classic

Aaron Rai in action

Aaron Rai, the 29-year-old English golfer, has taken the golf world by storm with his impressive performance at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Rai carded a seven-under-par 65 to take a share of the lead at the halfway stage of the tournament, drawing level with American Akshay Bhatia on 13 under.

“There’s nothing in particular that I’ve really tried to change this year,” said Rai, who has had two career wins on the DP World Tour. “I think I have built good foundations off previous years and have just tried to stay on top of the fundamentals.”

Rai’s impressive round saw him birdie four out of five holes from the seventh, finishing with two further birdies. His consistent play has earned him a spot at the top of the leaderboard, two shots clear of the field in Detroit.

The scenic golf course in Detroit

Rai, from Wolverhampton, and Bhatia are being chased by a pack of four players who are tied on 11 under going into the third round - South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen and American trio Cameron Young, Taylor Montgomery, and Troy Merritt. Rickie Fowler, the 2023 champion, is on six under following an even-par 72 in his second round.

Three other Englishmen, David Skinns, Callum Tarren, and Harry Hall, all made the four-under cut, ensuring a strong British presence in the tournament.

The golf ball in mid-air

As the tournament heats up, all eyes will be on Rai to see if he can maintain his lead and take home the coveted title. With his impressive form and consistent play, he is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the golf world.

Aaron Rai in action

Stay tuned for more updates from the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and find out if Aaron Rai can hold on to his lead and take home the title.