Aaron Rai took a share of the BMW PGA Championship lead alongside Joakim Lagergren on day one at Wentworth, while Rory McIlroy stumbled badly over his final five holes to finish three shots off the pace. The first round was dominated by Rai’s dazzling approach play, but the leaderboard remains close heading into Friday’s second round.
Rai and Lagergren of Sweden posted scores of six-under-par 66 at Wentworth, with Rai particularly impressive through his front nine. In windy conditions, 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott also surged up the leaderboard to tie Ryan Gerard, Ludvig Åberg and Nacho Elvira for third with a score of 67.
Rai’s Front Nine
Rai’s approach game was the talk of the day. He dazzled with his shots into the greens, going four under through his front nine before settling at six under overall.
Lagergren, who hails from Sweden, matched Rai’s total with a steady round of his own. The two men finished the day level at the top of the leaderboard, setting up an interesting battle for the title over the remaining days of the tournament. Both players will look to maintain their form into Friday’s second round.
McIlroy’s Late Collapse
McIlroy had a strong start to his round, but things fell apart over his final five holes. He finished three shots off the lead, which was a disappointing result for the player.
The stumble came at the end of his round, when McIlroy could not hold onto the momentum he had built earlier. The wind at Wentworth was a factor for everyone, but McIlroy’s late collapse made the difference between a strong showing and a quiet one.
Scott Surges Up the Board
Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, also made a big move on Thursday. He posted a score of 67 to tie Gerard, Åberg and Elvira for third place.
Race to Dubai Rankings
Patrick Reed, the race to Dubai rankings leader, was one of 12 players to tie for seventh place heading into day two. Reed posted a score of 68, along with Viktor Hovland, Ryan Fox and Robert MacIntyre.
Rahm’s Rough Day
Jon Rahm had a rough day on the course. He posted three bogeys and a double-bogey on his way to a six-over 78.
Rahm now faces a fight to make the cut on Friday. The conditions at Wentworth were testing for everyone, and Rahm struggled to find his rhythm throughout the day.
What Comes Next
Friday’s second round will determine who moves forward in the tournament. The early featured groups coverage begins live on Sky Sports Golf at 7.30am, with main coverage starting at 12pm.
The leaderboard is close, and the battle for the title will be decided over the next two days.
“stumbled”
The wind continues to test the field, and anyone who can manage it will have a significant advantage over the next two days.
The Key Facts
- Rai and Lagergren tied at the top of the leaderboard with a score of 66, six under.
- McIlroy finished three shots off the lead after a late collapse.
- Scott tied Gerard, Åberg and Elvira for third with a score of 67.
- Reed, Hovland, Fox and MacIntyre tied for seventh with a score of 68.
- Rahm posted a score of 78, six over, and faces a fight to make the cut.
The BMW PGA Championship continues at Wentworth on Friday, with the leaderboard close and the stage set for a thrilling conclusion.
See the video the story is built around at Skysports.
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