Matsuyama Masters BMW PGA Championship, Ryder Cup Stars in Contention
Hideki Matsuyama is setting the pace at the BMW PGA Championship, carding a stunning 64 too reach 12 under par after the second round. The 2021 Masters champion is looking formidable as he leads a stacked leaderboard featuring several players gearing up for the upcoming Ryder Cup.
Matsuyama’s round was a masterclass in scoring,punctuated by five birdies and a breathtaking chipped-in eagle on the 17th. A single bogey on the 15th proved to be his only mistake of the day, mirroring a minor blip from his first round.
Key Contenders Emerging
Several Ryder Cup hopefuls are hot on Matsuyama’s heels, ensuring a thrilling weekend at Wentworth.Here’s a look at where thay stand:
* Justin Rose (England): Following up his opening 67 with a 66, Rose is just one stroke behind Matsuyama.
* Ludvig Aberg (Sweden): Aberg, a captain’s pick for Team Europe, fired a three-under 69 and remains firmly in contention.
* Viktor Hovland (Norway): Hovland finished his round with a dramatic 44-foot eagle putt on the 18th, also signing for a 66 and sitting one back.
The challenging conditions,including persistent rain in Surrey,didn’t deter some remarkable scoring. Pablo Larrazabal of Spain sits at 10 under, while Scotland’s Richie Ramsay and Ewen Ferguson, alongside England’s Aaron Rai and Sweden’s Alex noren (a European vice-captain), are all within striking distance at nine under.
Ryder Cup Form – Mixed Bag for Team Europe
Though, not all of Europe’s Ryder Cup hopefuls are enjoying a smooth run. the BMW PGA Championship is serving as a crucial form guide ahead of the showdown with the United States.
Matt Fitzpatrick struggled with wayward tee shots, finishing the day at seven under with a 71. Rory McIlroy endured a rollercoaster round, with bogeys early on and a costly double-bogey on the 18th after finding trouble off the tee. He finished at level par for the day, leaving him at three under just inside the cut line.
Tyrrell Hatton is at five under,while Jon Rahm experienced a stroke of luck on the 18th.His drive landed in a buggy, but he managed to salvage a birdie and reach four under.
Robert MacIntyre is clinging to the cut line at two under, needing a strong weekend showing. Tommy Fleetwood also had to scramble, sinking a birdie putt on the 18th to secure his place in the weekend rounds.
Unfortunately, Ryder Cup rookie Rasmus Hojgaard will be heading home early after a disappointing 75 resulted in him missing the cut.
Looking Ahead:
You can expect a captivating weekend of golf as Matsuyama looks to maintain his lead and the Ryder Cup players battle for form and confidence. The BMW PGA Championship is proving to be a compelling preview of the drama to come at Bethpage Black.
