In the BMW PGA Championship, marked by adverse weather conditions, Ludvig Åberg and Tom Vaillant lead the leaderboard after the first day at Wentworth.
Åberg, selected for the European Ryder Cup team, achieved an outstanding round of 64 strokes, eight under par, matching Vaillant’s record.
Rory McIlroy, after his victory at the Irish Open, was five strokes behind the leaders after an unfortunate finish.
McIlroy, with birdies on several holes, faced difficulties on the 18th hole, where a shot into the water resulted in a bogey and a card of 69.
The Thursday round was interrupted by a suspension due to lack of light, forcing the players who started late to complete their rounds on Friday morning. A 90-minute weather delay also affected the game’s development.
Casey Jarvis finished alone in third place, one stroke off the lead.
Åberg, despite an initial bogey, maintained a solid game, with key birdies on several holes.
Most of the European Ryder Cup team members are participating at Wentworth, with the exception of Sepp Straka, who is at home due to the recent premature birth of his son.
Matt Fitzpatrick, also selected by captain Luke Donald, was two strokes behind the leaders, followed by Justin Rose and Shane Lowry, who are one stroke away.
Jon Rahm, former world number one, finished with a round of 71 strokes, including three birdies in the last four holes.
