BMW PGA Championship 2018 - Round One

BMW PGA Championship 2018 - Wentworth Golf Club - Round One

After the first round of the 2018 BMW PGA Championship Danish golfer Lucas Bjerregaard is leading by one stroke on 7-under 65. Two South Africans, Dean Burmester and Darren Fichardt,  are just behind him on second with 6-under 66. Rory McIlroy is a stroke back in a four way tie with three English golfers, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Sam Horsfield and Richard Bland on 5-under 67.

McIlroy shot his best ever opening round at the PGA Championship. He hit two bogeys but seven birdies more than compensated. As he arrived at the par-5 18th it looked likely that he would end the round at least tied for second place. Then, when he was taking his second shot in a moment that needed his total concentration, a photographer clicked him and he was thrown off-balance. After that he seemed to lose focus and missed a three foot birdie putt. 

The photographer apologised and McIlroy accepted that.

"These things happen. I'm sure he didn't mean it," he said. "It's a tough enough shot without something going off at the top of your swing, but it's fine."

Of his round, he said, "I'm a little frustrated I couldn't get a birdie or two out of the last couple of holes but, overall, a really good start."

26 year old Bjerregaard looks sure to make the cut here for the first time, after an excellent round and steady improvements in his game. He has finished in the top ten in his last two events.

"I'm just pleased that my form from the last few weeks seems to continue and hopefully I can keep doing some of the same stuff the rest of the week," he said.

Burmester and Fichardt strode ahead early on, setting the pace with their 6-under 66s and leading for most of the day. Burmester hit four birdies and an eagle in his last seven holes while Fichardt hit three birdies on both the front and then the back nine.

"Obviously I'm very, very happy,"  Fichardt said. He added, "This time of the year, usually for me has never been good. But I took quite a few weeks off to prepare for this stretch of events. It looks like I made a good choice."


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