Aaron Rai and Joakim Lagergren Shot Sixty Six to Share the First Round Lead at Wentworth
Rory McIlroy had five birdies in his opening 10 holes before dropping shots late and finishing three off the pace on the West Course.
Aaron Rai and Joakim Lagergren shared the first-round lead at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on 17 September 2026 after both shot 6-under-par 66.
Rai, the Englishman, made birdies at the 10th and 11th and again at the 13th and 14th. He said he had got into the round fast and picked up a couple of birdies early on.
Adam Scott, Ryan Gerard, Ludvig Aberg and Nacho Elvira were a shot behind on 5-under 67. Patrick Reed, who is in contention in the season-long Race to Dubai, was tied for seventh on 4-under 68.
Rory McIlroy made five birdies in his opening 10 holes but bogeyed the 6th and the 8th and found water on his way home, signing for a 3-under 69 that left him tied for 19th. Asked about the finish, McIlroy agreed that a stumble home was a good way to describe it. Jon Rahm had a difficult day, returning a 6-over 78.
The DP World Tour's flagship event runs to Sunday over the West Course at Wentworth, with the second round beginning on Friday morning. Rai and Lagergren will be among the later starters as they try to protect their advantage.