Who? 23 year-old Englishman Aaron Rai
What? The 2018 Honma Hong Kong Open, his first win on the European Tour
Where? Hong Kong Golf Club (Fangling), Hong Kong
How?
Rai compiled four excellent rounds of 65-61-68-69 to claim a one-stroke victory over Matt Fitzpatrick, going wire-to-wire and setting a new course record in the process.
Describing the feeling of claiming his first European Tour title, Rai said:
It’s incredible to win on any Tour, let alone the European Tour and let alone the Hong Kong Open. It’s an incredible course, incredible event, very well supported. The crowds have been amazing. I’m just very grateful.
Aaron Rai What’s In The Bag?
TaylorMade M4 Driver
Rai finished the week hitting around two-thirds of fairways in regulation, with an average drive distance of 295 yards, using the TaylorMade M4 Driver in 9.5 degrees.
TaylorMade M2 Fairway Wood
Rai uses the 15 degree M2 fairway wood, sticking with the older model to provide control off the tee or for longer approaches into the green.
TaylorMade P770 Driving Irons
Rai is amongst the growing crop of Tour players favouring driving irons over hybrid or fairway woods for the extra workability and versatility that they provide, as he carries both a 2 and 3 iron in the P770 model. These are a forged cavity back model for those players who want to have the feel and look of a blade but with a bit more help.
TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB Irons
Rai ranked 7th in the field for greens in regulation this week using his TP irons, which he has had in the bag for a number of years now. He found the putting surface with almost 80% of his approach shots, with his set ranging from 4 to 9 iron.
Cleveland RTX 3 Pitching Wedge
Rai favours the 2016 model for his 46 degree pitching wedge, which features a V Sole grind and Tour Zip grooves.
Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Wedges
Rai is clearly not afraid to stick with what he knows when it comes to his golf clubs, and the wedges seem no different as he still carries the 588 RTX 2.0 Wedges in a 52 gap wedge and 58 degree sand wedge.
Heavy Putter B3-M Putter
Rai ranked in the top 5 this week for both putts per round, and putts per GIR, using his Boccieri B3-M Heavy Putter. The idea behind these putters is that it places more emphasis on your bigger shoulder muscles during the putting stroke, for a more consistent and passive stroke.
Titleist Pro V1 Ball
Finally, Rai uses the ever-popular Titleist Pro V1 ball, which recently recorded its 3,000th professional victory in South Africa.
