Hideki Matsuyama Takes Lead at BMW PGA Championship with 8-Under 64
Hideki Matsuyama surged to the top of the leaderboard at the BMW PGA Championship in Virginia Water, England, after a remarkable round of 8-under 64. This performance allows him to take a one-stroke lead over three fellow European Ryder Cup players following the second round on Friday.
Matsuyama, the former Masters champion, dazzled with two eagles, bringing his total to 12 under for the tournament. He displayed exceptional skill at the Wentworth Club, making 11 birdies throughout the week and showcasing his ability to capitalize on the par-5 holes. Notably, he rolled in a 15-foot eagle putt at the fourth hole and later chipped in from the edge of the green at the 17th, securing his lead late in the day.
Challengers Close Behind
Viktor Hovland, ranked 15th in the world, remained firmly in the hunt with a round of 66. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, particularly in his short game, which included three consecutive birdies starting from the fourth hole and a stunning 40-foot eagle putt at the last. Hovland reflected on his success, stating, “I’m super happy to be where I’m at and scoring-wise, it’s incredible to be honest with you.”
Ludvig Åberg, another Ryder Cup contender, followed closely with a solid round of 69, maintaining momentum after an impressive opening round of 64. Meanwhile, Justin Rose joined the chase with eight birdies, finishing the day in a tie for second place alongside Hovland and Åberg.
This event serves as a crucial warm-up for the Ryder Cup, scheduled to take place at Bethpage Black from September 26-28. Eleven members of the European team are participating in this championship, with only one, rookie Rasmus Hojgaard, failing to make the cut after finishing 5 over par with a round of 75.
Other Notable Performances
In contrast, Rory McIlroy struggled with a double-bogey on the final hole, finishing with a level-par 72, which places him nine strokes back at 3 under. Jon Rahm managed a better outcome, birdying the final two holes to secure a round of 69, bringing him to 4 under for the tournament.
As the competitors gear up for the Ryder Cup, Matsuyama’s impressive debut in this flagship European Tour event positions him as a formidable contender. His unexpected performance has garnered attention, as he noted, “I wasn’t expecting I would play this good,” hinting at the excitement that lies ahead in the latter rounds of the championship.
