While the Mexico Open may not carry the prestige of some other PGA Tour events, it has nonetheless offered a glimpse into the future of Team Europe, according to professional golfer Smylie Kaufman. The tournament, which saw Brian Campbell clinch victory after over 180 tries, also showcased the potential of a rising English golfer who, according to Kaufman, is likely to make waves in the Ryder Cup if he can just hone his putting skills.
The spotlight shone on Aaron Rai, an English golfer who has been teetering on the edge of greatness in the sport. Since he claimed victory at the Wyndham Championship in 2024, Rai has been steadily climbing the ranks, displaying consistency across his performances. However, during the Mexico Open, Kaufman noticed a stumbling block in Rai’s path to the top—his putting.
Having spent the day observing Rai’s performance, Kaufman opined, “He should have won the golf tournament. He could have been six under through seven holes. He was hitting it better than anybody. His precision iron game and the putter and his wedge play totally let him down.” Kaufman further indicated that while Rai’s powerful hits could make him an asset to the Ryder Cup team, his putting skills needed serious work.
Kaufman’s analysis of Rai’s game is not without merit. Despite being a top 30 player in the world, Rai’s putting ability, or lack thereof, has been a noticeable weak point. Yet, the English golfer’s track record on the PGA Tour tells a story of resilience and potential. Rai’s cut-making percentage stands at over 73%, having made the cut in 71 out of 97 PGA Tour events—a commendable record but one that falls short when compared to top players like Rory McIlroy and fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who have made the cut in 88% and 84% of events, respectively.
However, 2025 could be a game-changer for Rai. After moving up 22 spots to 24th on the European ladder, there’s a strong possibility that a few major tournament successes could thrust him into Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald’s consideration. Yet, according to Kaufman, Rai’s rise to the top will hinge on his ability to improve his putting—an aspect of his game that has, so far, been a letdown.
As the golf world keeps its eyes trained on the greens, only time will tell whether Rai will capitalize on this critique and translate it into a game-changing improvement. For now, the ball is in his court.
