Rory McIlroy’s indifferent season continues with the World No. 2 shooting a disappointing two over par 74 on the first day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
McIlroy bogeyed five of his closing six holes in overcast and very cold conditions on the famed West Course that left him trailing eight shots from South African James Kingston who enjoyed the clubhouse lead with a five under par 67.
Included also in McIlroy’s score was 33 putts.
Rory McIlroy (red pullover) talking with Graeme McDowell as they walk onto the second green during the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
“I feel as though I am playing well enough but it is just not being reflected on my score card,” said McIlroy.
“I played the first 12 holes really not missing a shot but I just feel at the minute I am not getting that much out of my rounds.
“But then I have another opportunity tomorrow to go out there and play well again, hopefully.”
McIlroy, who played in the company of his Medinah Ryder Cup winning team mates, Graeme McDowell and Paul Lawrie, had been three under after 12 holes before three bogeys in succession from the 13th hole.
The double Major winner then pared the 16th but dropped further shots at 17 and 18.
“I’m sure what the problem is because, as I said, the first 12 holes was really good golf and very solid but I just got on a run of bogeys and could get off it,” added McIlroy.
“Maybe it’s not letting the bad shots affect me, as much but I don’t know.”
McIlroy’s effort continues a disappointing first day trend in the Tour’s flagship event. He shot a similar 74 on day one of the event last year and a 76 twelve months prior, and then a 74 also on the opening day of the 2010 BMW PGA.
Kingston’s round is his lowest in the event, and a shot better than a 67 he recorded on his BMW PGA debut in 2003.
In second place on five under par is Finland’s Mikko Ilonen with his round equalling his lowest-ever round at Wentworth since a similar score on day three of the 2004 event.
This year also marks the 33-year old’s 10th appearance at Wentworth and he teed-up after finishing runner-up in his last event, the Volvo China Open.
“I’ve had good form this year but then Wentworth has not been the best of places for me,” said Ilonen.
“I’ve always enjoyed coming over here because the tournament is first class, the best we have.
“So hopefully I can put some scores together this week, as well.”
