McIlroy Stumbles on Final Hole, Hovland Takes BMW PGA Lead

Rory McIlroy’s hopes of claiming the BMW PGA Championship took a significant hit after a costly mistake on the final hole at Wentworth. The Northern Irish golfer, who was in a promising position, ended the day with a double-bogey on the par-five 18th, which resulted in a disappointing level-par 72. This performance left him eight strokes behind the clubhouse leader, Viktor Hovland, who surged ahead with an impressive score of 11 under par.

McIlroy’s day began with challenges as he recorded three consecutive bogeys on the front nine. He struggled on the par-five second hole, where he missed the green in two and three-putted, adding to his frustrations. The world’s No. 2 player displayed resilience, however, recovering with five birdies over a seven-hole stretch starting at the eighth. Despite this strong performance, his final-hole blunder overshadowed his efforts, bringing him back to three under for the tournament.

Hovland Shines with a Stellar Finish

While McIlroy faltered, Viktor Hovland excelled. The Norwegian golfer capped off a bogey-free round with an eagle at the 18th, finishing with a remarkable 66. Hovland’s performance included three birdies from the fourth hole onward, showcasing his consistent play. Reflecting on his game, Hovland stated, “I can’t remember when I chipped it and putted it as nicely as I did the last two days.” His solid iron play and strategic driving contributed to his commanding lead.

The leaderboard also featured notable performances from McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammates. Shane Lowry finished the day at three under after a round that included four birdies but was marred by six bogeys. Jon Rahm had a slightly more successful outing, concluding his round with a three-under 68, which brought him closer to the top of the standings.

McIlroy’s struggles on the par fives have been particularly notable this week, as he has played them in two over par, contrasting sharply with his previous performances where he averaged 50 under across his last five tournaments at Wentworth. The golfer’s form has raised questions, and he opted not to speak to the media following his round for the second consecutive day.

Looking Ahead

As the BMW PGA Championship progresses, Hovland leads the field, closely followed by Pablo Larrazabal, who carded a five-under 67. Alex Noren is also in contention, sitting two strokes behind Hovland after posting a second-round 68. The tournament continues to unfold, with live coverage available for viewers keen to follow the action.

As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on whether McIlroy can recover and mount a comeback or if Hovland will maintain his lead and secure the championship title. The excitement of golf remains high as the competition intensifies at Wentworth.