Ludvig Åberg storms out to an 8-under 64 and ties Tom Vaillant for the lead at the opening round of the 2024 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
In this video:
– Highlights of Åberg’s bogey-free front nine and late-round birdies
– Rory McIlroy’s rollercoaster round featuring multiple birdies and a costly water-ball on 18
– Impact of weather delays and play suspended due to darkness
– Standout performances from Matt Fitzpatrick, Casey Jarvis, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm
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In a dramatic twist of fate at the BMW PGA Championship, Ludvig Alberg and Tom Vant are locked in a pie for the lead after the opening round. While Rory Mroyy’s day ended with a splash and a fiveshot deficit, the weatherweary start at Wetworth Club in Virginia Water, England delivered both challenges and surprises, leaving fans and analysts buzzing over what’s next. But here’s where it gets tricky. Even with his recent playoffs victory at the Amgen Irish Open, Mroyy’s final whole misadventure into the water raises questions about whether momentum is on his side this week. Could this be the turning point that defines his season? Let’s break it down. Alberg, the Swedish standout handpicked by the European Rder Cup captain for the upcoming Beth Page Black Showdown, fired an 8 under 64 to share the top spot with Viant. The 24year-old’s resilience shone through after an early bogey at the first hole. He rebounded with four birdies on the front nine and added two more at the 10th and 12th before closing with a trio of clutch putts. Meanwhile, Mroy, the Northern Irish Phenom, started strong with birdies on the first and fourth holes, but stumbled into a bogey at the par 3 fifth. He clawed his way back with gains on 10, 12, and 16, only to face disaster at the par 51 18th. His approach shot landed in the water, forcing a bogey and a frustrating 69. The day ended under a cloak of darkness with play suspended at 7:30 p.m. delaying the finish for late starters until Friday morning. And this is the part most people miss. The weather delay wasn’t just a minor hiccup. A 90-minute pause disrupted afternoon play, adding pressure to already tense conditions. Casey Jarvis, meanwhile, carved his name into third place, one shot behind the leaders. The European Rder Cup squad is almost fully represented at Wentworth except for one absentee. Captain Luke Donald revealed earlier this week that Sep Straa is at home with his wife who recently welcomed a premature baby. A human interest twist that reminds us golf is just one piece of the puzzle. Other Rder Cup hopefuls like Matt Fitzpatrick, 66, are two shots off the pace, while Justin Rose and Shane Lowry trail by a further stroke. John Rom, the former world number one, managed three late birdies in his 71. But will that be enough to spark a comeback? Now, let’s get controversial. Should Mroyy’s recent form at the Irish Open give him more leniency for today’s slip, or is this a sign that his game is off its peak? Share your thoughts below. Do you think the Northern Irishman can dig deep and reclaim his footing? Or is this the start of a rocky week? The debate is on and the Greens are waiting.
