A Major title in his pocket, and everyone is still talking about his gloves: Aaron Rai pulled off the ultimate victory at the PGA Championship on May 17, 2026, triumphing, but for many golfers, his signature look is almost even more exciting than his score. The man with two gloves is now officially a Major champion, and that naturally raises questions.
What began as a small quirk of an eight-year-old is now a trademark. Rai himself recounts that when he was about eight years old, he received a pair of gloves, simply put both on – and it stuck. From then on, it felt strange to wear only one. He is adamant that the double-glove grip helps him and is a crucial reason why his game is performing so strongly. This is not a gimmick show, no marketing stunt, but pure routine since childhood.
Two Gloves? Who Cares!
Rai flouts conventions. While most Tour pros play with one glove – or none at all – Rai has long since forged his own path. It's an image that sticks: two black gloves, often accompanied by iron headcovers and a driver that has seen better days, as colleague Dan Rapaport aptly noted. This guy simply plays his golf, the way he learned it, and doesn't care what others think.
The Champion with the Unique Grip
His breakthrough at the 2024 Wyndham Championship on the PGA Tour and his successes on the DP World Tour have already really boosted Aaron Rai's profile. But now, as the 2026 PGA Champion, his unique style is showcased on an entirely different stage. He's not just the player who wears two gloves; he's the champion who wears two gloves. And that's precisely what makes him one of the most exciting characters in golf.
