Rory McIlroy falters after strong start as Aaron Rai leads at Wentworth
Rory McIlroy began the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth with a five‑under lead but finished three‑under after a series of bogeys. Aaron Rai, meanwhile, posted a six‑under 66 to become the joint first‑round leader. The round highlighted the challenges of the course and the pressure on top players c…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Rory McIlroy’s first round at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth began with a burst of confidence. The Northern Irishman was five under par after 10 holes, holding the outright lead before a string of misfired shots on the back nine sent his score tumbling to a three‑under 69.
Strong start, then a wobble
McIlroy’s early play was a showcase of precision. Starting at the ninth, he made five birdies in his first ten holes, with only one bogey. Most of those birdies came from short distances – inside two and a half feet – except for a 20‑footer at the par‑five 12th. He also recorded a birdie at the 16th from a combined five feet five inches. However, the momentum shifted after the 17th. A frustrated eagle attempt on the 17th and a missed birdie on the second left McIlroy with a bogey on the third and the sixth. A solid recovery on the fourth helped him salvage a birdie, and he made par on the seventh.
The turning point came on the eighth. A poor drive landed McIlroy in deep rough, and a subsequent shot found the pond guarding the green. The third shot of the day was lost, and he finished the round with a three‑under 69.
Aaron Rai takes the lead
While McIlroy’s round faltered, Aaron Rai – the US PGA champion – maintained composure. Rai played alongside Masters winner and Open champion Ryan Fox in the marquee group, which finished a combined 13 under par. Rai had five birdies in his first ten holes, one bogey, and two more birdies on the back nine, posting a six‑under 66. This score put him three better than McIlroy and two ahead of Fox.
Rai’s performance was solid, with only a single bogey on the eighth. He drove into the same pond that cost McIlroy a shot, but his chip saved par. His steady play made him the early clubhouse leader and set the tone for the rest of the field.
Other top players in the group
Patrick Reed, the Race to Dubai leader, briefly shared the lead with a fifth birdie before the 395‑yard par‑four eighth sent him to a four‑under finish. Reed, who is chasing a record‑equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, finished with a score that matched Fox and Viktor Hovland in the group.
Swedish golfer Joakim Lagergren also joined the six‑under group, thanks to an eagle at the 12th. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm struggled, recording a first‑round 78 with five bogeys and a double. His score left him just one over the cut line, while partners Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood finished one over as well.
Implications for the Race to Dubai
McIlroy’s round is a key moment as he seeks to close the gap to Reed and secure a record‑equalling eighth Race to Dubai title. A three‑under start sets a solid foundation, but the challenges of the course and the pressure of the chase remain.
Reed’s four‑under finish keeps him in contention, but the slight edge over McIlroy means the competition is still tight. The rest of the field’s performances will also influence the standings as the tournament progresses.
What’s next for the tournament
The BMW PGA Championship will continue over the next few days, with players looking to improve their scores and climb the leaderboard. McIlroy will aim to build on his strong start, while Rai will look to maintain his lead. Reed’s pursuit of a record‑equalling title adds extra drama to the event.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect more swings in the leaderboard, with the challenging Wentworth course testing even the most seasoned professionals.
Key facts
- McIlroy’s strong start collapsed after a series of bogeys
- Rai leads the field with a six‑under 66
- Reed remains in contention for a record‑equalling Race to Dubai title
- Jon Rahm struggles with a first‑round 78
- The challenging Wentworth course continues to test players
Why it matters
The BMW PGA Championship is a key event on the European Tour, influencing the Race to Dubai standings and showcasing how even top players can falter under pressure. McIlroy’s and Rai’s performances highlight the competitive nature of the tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Why did McIlroy’s round unravel after a strong start?
A series of bogeys on the back nine, including a costly third shot into a pond, caused his score to slip from a five‑under lead to a three‑under finish.
What was Aaron Rai’s score?
Rai finished with a six‑under 66, the best score of the first round.
How does this affect the Race to Dubai standings?
McIlroy’s three‑under start keeps him close to Reed, who is chasing a record‑equalling eighth title.
Did any other top players have notable performances?
Joakim Lagergren made an eagle at the 12th, while Jon Rahm struggled with a 78.
What are the next steps for the tournament?
The event will continue over the next few days, with players aiming to improve their scores and the leaderboard shifting as conditions at Wentworth test their skills.
