BMW PGA Championship 2026: Aaron Rai surges to take joint-lead after first round as Rory McIlroy 'stumbles' to finish three back
Aaron Rai took a share of the BMW PGA Championship first-round lead alongside Joakim Lagergren as Rory McIlroy "stumbled" after a strong start to finish three off the lead.
Englishman Rai, who dazzled with his approach play, and Lagergren of Sweden posted scores of six-under-par 66 at Wentworth.
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.
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Race to Dubai rankings leader Patrick Reed was one of 12 players to tie for seventh place heading into day two, with Viktor Hovland, Ryan Fox and Robert MacIntyre joining him as they carded 68s.
Jon Rahm endured a tough day on the course and left himself plenty to do to make the cut on Friday, after he posted three bogeys and a double-bogey in his front nine, on his way to a six-over 78.
Justin Rose, who struggled with his putting, fought back from going three down through 14 holes, to end his day at one over, thanks to back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th.
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Rai, who started on the ninth, came out of the blocks firing, carding back-to-back birdies on holes 10 and 11, before doing the same on 13 and 14.
"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, who won the PGA Championship in the USA in May.
Scott similarly got off to a fast start and made birdies in clusters, going four under through his front nine.
The Australian could have joined Rai and Lagergren at the top of the leaderboard, but a wayward drive on the 17th hole cost him his only bogey of the day before he bounced back with a birdie on the 18th.
"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."
Who will win the BMW PGA Championship? Watch early featured groups coverage live on Sky Sports Golf on Friday from 7.30am before main coverage commences at 12pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW
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17 of September 2026
