Aaron Rai Leads BMW PGA Championship after Day One as Rory McIlroy Stays in Hunt

Aaron Rai made an impressive start to the 2026 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, moving into a share of the lead after the opening round as Rory McIlroy remained firmly in contention.

Rai carded a six-under-par 66 on Thursday to sit alongside Joakim Lagergren at the top of the leaderboard, while McIlroy finished three shots back after an opening 69.

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Rai Sets the Early Pace at Wentworth

Rai produced one of the strongest rounds of the opening day, making seven birdies and dropping just one shot on his way to a six-under 66.

The Englishman started from the ninth tee and quickly found momentum, picking up shots at the 10th, 11th, 13th and 14th. His only bogey of the day came at the 16th, but he responded immediately with another birdie at the par-five 17th.

Lagergren later joined Rai at the top after matching his total, with the Swede recording an eagle, five birdies and one bogey during his opening round.

The leading pair hold only a narrow advantage, with Adam Scott, Ryan Gerard, Nacho Elvira and Ludvig Åberg all one shot behind after rounds of 67.

McIlroy Remains Within Touching Distance

McIlroy also enjoyed a strong opening to his week as the 2014 BMW PGA Champion began his latest bid for victory at Wentworth.

The Northern Irishman briefly moved into the outright lead after making five birdies across his opening 10 holes, putting himself among the early frontrunners.

Three dropped shots later in the round slowed his progress, but a three-under 69 leaves McIlroy only three shots off the lead heading into Friday.

With plenty of golf still to be played, McIlroy remains well positioned to move up the leaderboard before the tournament reaches the weekend.

Big Names Gather Behind the Leaders

There is significant quality packed behind Rai and Lagergren after the first 18 holes.

Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed opened with a four-under 68, while Ryan Fox, Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre were also among those finishing the opening round on four under.

Åberg’s finish was particularly impressive, with the Swede making three consecutive birdies to close his round and move to within one shot of the lead.

The congested leaderboard means Friday’s second round could have a major impact on the shape of the tournament before the field is reduced for the weekend.

BMW PGA Championship Set for a Huge Weekend

The leading 65 players and ties will progress following Friday’s second round, setting up two decisive days of golf at Wentworth.

Saturday’s third round will give the leading contenders the opportunity to put themselves in position for a title challenge, before the tournament reaches its conclusion on Sunday.

There will also be entertainment away from the course across the weekend, with The Kooks set to perform following Saturday’s play and Ella Eyre appearing after Sunday’s trophy presentation.

With Rai setting the pace, McIlroy within striking distance and several of the world’s leading players packed closely behind, the BMW PGA Championship is well placed for an exciting finish at Wentworth.

BMW PGA Championship FAQs

Who leads the BMW PGA Championship after Round One?

Aaron Rai and Joakim Lagergren share the lead after both carded six-under-par rounds of 66 at Wentworth.

How did Rory McIlroy perform in the opening round of the BMW PGA Championship?

Rory McIlroy shot a three-under-par 69 in the opening round, leaving him three shots behind the leaders heading into Friday.

When is the final round of the BMW PGA Championship?

The final round takes place on Sunday 20th September 2026 at Wentworth Club, following the third round on Saturday 19th September.

Can I book BMW PGA Championship hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers premium BMW PGA Championship hospitality at Wentworth, including the Ballroom, 72 Lounge, 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18, with packages combining premium facilities, dining and excellent access to the action.