'You could see there was something special in Rai'

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Wolverhampton-born Aaron Rai said said it felt "phenomenal" to top the Par 3 leaderboard [EPA/Shutterstock]

The former coach of golf champion Aaron Rai has recalled the moment he spotted a "special talent" as the star was growing up.

As one of the world's biggest golfing tournaments The Masters starts, Wolverhampton-born Rai has topped the leader board of the Par 3 Contest - the traditional fun curtain-raiser to the competition.

Golf pro Darren Prosser taught Rai from the age of seven at 3 Hammers course in Wolverhampton, and has maintained a friendship with him.

"He was a special talent, he's got great hand-eye coordination and he had a great family and a good team around him," he told BBC Radio WM.

Rai won his first European Tour title at the Hong Kong Open in 2018 and his choice of wearing gloves on both hands was soon noticed.

On Wednesday, the 31-year-old secured a solo lead and said it felt "phenomenal" to top the leaderboard for the event - which started in 1960.

Prosser added: "Aaron is such a focused young guy, he's already got his name on the history sheets.

"When I see him he always reminds me he's still never beat me, but these days I think he'd be giving me a good beating.

"You could see there was something special there, I'm just so happy that he's done what he's done in the game."

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Darren Prosser taught Rai at the age of about seven in Wolverhampton [Darren Prosser]

Despite his success in the sport, Rai has always found time to visit his home city and give back.

The coach described him as "very level-headed" and "grounded".

Around four years ago, he helped teach a clinic for aspiring players in Kingswinford, Prosser added.

"He had about 30 to 40 juniors plus some adults watching him do an hour-and-a-half golf clinic. We then held a Q and A session, and he signed golf balls for all of the juniors there.

"The kids will never forget that."

The 90th Masters takes place from 9 to 12 April.

BBC Sport will have live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra across all four days.

There will also be live text commentary, in-play clips, video highlights, reaction and analysis on the BBC Sport website and app.

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