Defending champion and former World No. 1 Luke Donald was left in the slow lane after slumping to a 78 on the opening day of the weather-affected BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Donald could manage just one birdie but also had five bogeys and a double bogey to end the day trailing a dozen shots adrift of South Africa’s James Kingston who posted a six under par 66.
It is Donald’s poorest round at Wentworth since a 74 on the first day of the event in 2009.
Luke Donald posts his worst Wentworth round a year after winning a second BMW PGA title. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
“It is disappointing to be this far back after one round but then that’s just golf, again,” he said.
“Today was quite different to how the course has played in the past but I just didn’t do very well in adjusting.
“And today was more about a lack of feel than anything.
“Hopefully, I can shoot something in the 60s tomorrow and get back into form and make the cut, and make a run at the leaders.”
Kingston, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation, ended his round at lunch and well before the stoppage and at 47 he is the third oldest in the tournament.
The current World No. 297 capped his round with four birdies over his closing seven holes for his lowest Wentworth score by one stroke after shooting a 67 twice on debut in 2003.
“Receiving an invitation into this event was nice, and what a great feeling to be back here,” he said.
“I played nicely and got off to a decent start and really made the putts when I needed to, but overall I am really happy with that.”
Finland’s Mikko Ilonen, 33 marked his 10th appearance at Wentworth with a tournament best round of 67 to be in second place on five under par, and teeing 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.”
Rory McIlroy’s indifferent season continues with the World No. 2 shooting a disappointing two over par 74.
McIlroy bogeyed five of his closing six holes and in a round that included 33 putts.
“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 well 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.”
Also signing for a 74 was fellow US Open winner and Northern Irishman, Graeme McDowell who ended with an 18th hole double bogey and a year after taking a triple bogey at the same hole on day one of the 2012 event.
