The last time Aaron Rai was in New Delhi, he was the World Number 29 and caddying for his wife on the Ladies European Tour.
Now, exactly a year later, he returns to the capital of the world’s most populous nation as US PGA champion and ready to tee it up at the DP World India Championship.
Rai has deep connections with India, not only through his wife and fellow professional Gaurika Bishnoi but also through his own family, which has roots in both India and Kenya.
He has played on the subcontinent twice before at the Hero Indian Open, staged 15 miles south of Delhi Golf Club at DLF Golf & Country Club, where he caddied for Bishnoi in the women’s edition of the same event.
This week’s venue presents a very different test to its near neighbour and Rai admits it will be a very different experience, not only due to his role and the layout but his newfound status of Major champion.
“I think it was more nerve-wracking last year carrying the bag,” he said. “First time I caddied as well, so to go in an Indian Open, and for my wife as well, that was a really cool experience.
“Life’s definitely been a little bit busier, both on the golf course trying to manage time, practising, as well as away from tournaments and just a few decisions that come up away from golf.
“So definitely been a learning curve. I've done some things that I felt really proud of in terms of how we've handled a few of the things, and there were a couple things I'm definitely still learning from in the process.
“It's been great. It's definitely a little bit different, but it's full of a lot of learning.”
Narrow and measuring just 6,912 yards, Delhi Golf Club is a test not often faced in the modern professional game, even less so in the United States where dual member Rai spends a good chunk of his season.
The 31-year-old, however, was hailed for the methodical way he plotted his way around the back nine at Aronimink in the spring to win his maiden Major and he is looking forward to the challenge posed this week.
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“There are fewer and fewer courses in the modern day quite like this, especially events at the highest levels that are competed on courses like this,” he said.
“So it's fantastic that this course has the platform it has with such a prestigious tournament with all the world class players that are here.
“But I think on a larger perspective, I think it's great for the game of golf because a lot is made of the power. A lot is made of distance. But these kind of courses teach you a different side of the game. It teaches you strategy, teaches you skill, teaches you precision. It teaches you to really try and learn the nuances of the golf course.
“And the more rounded you are as a player, the better you'll become and the more impact you'll have in the game of golf, both on a personal level and the positive affects you can have. It's a crucial part and I'm glad a great course like this has the stage that it deserves to be able to showcase some of that.”
While Rai had chance to see the layout on Monday, countryman Justin Rose was not set to lay eyes on it until Tuesday afternoon after flying in for his event debut.
But at 46 and as a Major champion, former World Number One, Olympic champion, former number one on both sides of the Atlantic and Ryder Cup stalwart, Rose has seen at all before and was confident he would be ready for action come Thursday.
“My preparation will be fast and furious,” he said. “But, yeah, I've spoken to my friends, Tommy (Fleetwood), guys that were here last year.
“It's a very unique golf course. Very, very tight, very, very traditional, very, very old school from that point of view.
“No real need for distance off the tee. The driver stays in the bag. Very much like 250 off the tee and very much a second-shot golf course. So long irons, mid irons will be the most important part this week. Just walking around the grounds, obviously you’ve got to deal with grain. Bermuda grass, grainy greens, tricky chipping conditions.
“So yeah, from that point of view, fairways and greens will be a huge premium this week. You need to play good, disciplined golf to play that way, so it's a good test.”
With all he has achieved in the game, Rose is still hungry for more, specifically a second Major to go with his 2013 U.S. Open triumph.
And while he is realistic about the challenge of advancing years, he is still confident he can compete against elite fields, like the one assembled this week containing three reigning Major champions and the DP World Tour’s best young talent.
“I guess that's my job, especially this offseason, to try to figure out if there are some gains to be had,” he said. “If I can push myself physically. If there are some power and distance gains to be made.
“I think I also have to be realistic at 46, 47, that pushing too hard in certain areas that aren't necessarily my bread and butter does come with risks. What has made me a great player through the years is being able to work my way around tough golf courses, to game plan strategy, obviously the mental side when you need it. So those are the things that I need to continue to do to stay strong.
“What I do know is I am capable of driving the ball well enough to be incredibly competitive. I am capable for my iron play to be good enough to be incredibly competitive. My short game needs a little bit of work, but I know I have it in me to be incredibly competitive. My putting has shown really an up-trend in the last sort of five, six years.
“So if I can just piece it all together I know.... in all those areas I don't need to do much differently. I just need to a do better job of being able to bring it all at the same time.”
