Rai and Lagergren share BMW PGA lead as McIlroy fades at Wentworth
Aaron Rai, the Englishman who won the PGA Championship in America in May, sits joint-top of the BMW PGA Championship leaderboard after a sparkling opening round of 66 at Wentworth, alongside Sweden's Joakim Lagergren. Rory McIlroy, however, will reflect on a 'stumble home' after a promising start unravelled over his final five holes, leaving him three shots off the pace.
In blustery conditions on the West Course, Rai's approach play dazzled as he carded six birdies without a bogey, while Lagergren matched his six-under-par total. The pair lead by one from a chasing pack that includes 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott, who produced a typically classy 67 to sit tied third with Ryan Gerard, Ludvig Åberg and Nacho Elvira.
How did Aaron Rai build his lead at Wentworth?
Rai, starting on the ninth, was out of the blocks quickly, birdieing the 10th and 11th before repeating the feat on the 13th and 14th. He kept his composure in the wind and never looked seriously threatened, a display of the sort of disciplined golf that has marked his rise.
“I felt like I got into the round fast and got a couple of birdies early on and continued to just play well throughout the round and keep the momentum going when I was out of position,” said Rai.
Scott, too, made an early charge, going four under through his front nine. A wayward drive on the 17th cost him his only bogey, but he responded with a birdie on the last to stay within touching distance of the leaders.
“I would say that was one of my best rounds, tee to green this year,” Scott said. “Not really sure why, just a nice tee shot off the first, kind of calmed any nerves and then went about my business from there. It's a nice way to play Wentworth when there's low stress. I know I'm going to have to dig deep to hang in there this week.”
What went wrong for Rory McIlroy on day one?
McIlroy began brightly enough, birdieing the 10th and 12th and then three in a row from the 16th. His wedges and putting were sharp for much of the day, but his driving proved wayward, with the 37-year-old missing 10 of 14 fairways. A bogey and a birdie on the third and fourth were followed by a costly double-bogey stretch over his final three holes, including finding the water on the eighth.
“A stumble home is a good way to put it,” McIlroy admitted. “I wish I was standing here a couple of shots better. That's what I feel I should be, but overall, I saw some good signs in my game and saw some putts go in, which was encouraging compared to last week. It's definitely a score I can build on.”
The Northern Irishman is tied 19th, but with two rounds to go before the cut, he will need a steadier display on Friday to keep his challenge alive.
Who else struggled at the BMW PGA Championship?
Jon Rahm endured a torrid day, posting three bogeys and a double-bogey on his front nine en route to a six-over 78, leaving him with plenty to do just to make the cut. Justin Rose, meanwhile, fought back from three down through 14 holes with birdies on the 17th and 18th to finish on one over.
Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed is among 12 players tied seventh on 68, alongside Viktor Hovland, Ryan Fox and Robert MacIntyre.
When is the second round of the BMW PGA Championship?
The second round gets under way on Friday, with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf. Rai and Lagergren will tee off in the final group, knowing that a solid day could set up a memorable weekend at Wentworth.
Photo: SkySports