Did Fitzpatrick Benefit from a Stolen Ball at BMW PGA?

Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, showcased his remarkable skills in the first round of the BMW PGA Championship, where he believes his ball was stolen during a weather delay. Despite this incident, Fitzpatrick ended the round with a commendable six-under-par 66, placing him in contention just two strokes behind the leaders. The round was marked not only by his impressive play but also by a series of unpredictable events, including a significant weather delay.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the BMW PGA Championship Round One

• Matt Fitzpatrick scored a six-under-par 66 despite a stolen ball incident.
• Swede Ludvig Aberg and France’s Tom Vaillant lead the tournament at eight under.
• Weather delays affected the play, with many players completing their rounds the next day.
• Fitzpatrick's ability to take a penalty drop likely saved him strokes.
• Rory McIlroy had a challenging day, finishing five shots off the lead.

Fitzpatrick’s Performance Amidst Chaos

As the first round commenced at Wentworth, Fitzpatrick faced challenges not just from the course but also from unexpected circumstances. On the 18th hole, he veered off the tee, leading to a moment of confusion compounded by a thunderstorm that halted play for over 90 minutes. During this delay, it was reported that spectators witnessed two individuals running off with what Fitzpatrick believed was his ball.

“Someone from the public saw two lads running into the bushes, running out with a golf ball and so they can only think it was my ball,” Fitzpatrick recounted. Although he made a bogey on the 18th, he acknowledged that the situation could have been far worse had he been required to find his original ball and play a provisional one.

Weather Delays and Their Impact

The weather played a crucial role in the tournament, affecting not only Fitzpatrick but also 30 other players who had to complete their rounds the next morning. The rain-soaked conditions added a layer of challenge, with players having to adapt quickly. The BMW PGA Championship, known for its prestigious standing in the golfing calendar, witnessed an unusual round that tested the players' resilience and strategy.

Leaderboard Insights

At the end of the first round, Ludvig Aberg and Tom Vaillant led the field at eight under par. Aberg, who played with Fitzpatrick, made an impressive finish, featuring three consecutive birdies, including a remarkable 50-foot putt on the 17th hole. “Any time you shoot that kind of score, I think you need to be good on the greens,” Aberg stated, underscoring the importance of putting in challenging conditions.

Casey Jarvis from South Africa closely followed at seven under par, while Fitzpatrick shared the stage with a quartet of players at six under, including Antoine Rozner, Richie Ramsay, and Joel Lagergren. Fitzpatrick's round included eight birdies, though he faced setbacks with bogeys on the ninth and 18th holes.

Rory McIlroy's Mixed Fortunes

Rory McIlroy, fresh from his victory at the Irish Open, encountered a day of mixed fortunes. After starting strong with a birdie, he bogeyed the fifth hole and ultimately found himself in water on the final hole, resulting in a score of one over par. This performance left him five shots behind the leaders, highlighting the unpredictable nature of golf.

Other Notable Performances

Alongside Fitzpatrick and McIlroy, players like Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Viktor Hovland found themselves in a competitive position at five under. Rose, in particular, showcased his skills with a superb approach on the 18th, allowing him to secure a tap-in birdie. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion, demonstrated resilience by recovering from early setbacks to finish at one under par.

The first round also featured notable performances from Tyrrell Hatton, who carded a three-under-par 69, and Tommy Fleetwood, who struggled to find his rhythm with a one-over 73. Rasmus Hojgaard, the only rookie in the European Ryder Cup team, faced challenges with two double bogeys but managed to end on a positive note with an eagle on the 18th.

What’s Next for the Players?

As players prepare for the next round, strategies will be key. They will need to adapt to the course conditions while also focusing on their mental game after such an unpredictable first round. Fitzpatrick, in particular, will aim to build on his momentum, hoping to secure a strong finish in the tournament.

Conclusion

The BMW PGA Championship's first round was a testament to the resilience and skill of its competitors, particularly Matt Fitzpatrick, who navigated both on-course challenges and unexpected incidents with poise. As the tournament progresses, spectators will be eager to see how these players respond to the pressure and adapt to the evolving conditions at Wentworth. Will Fitzpatrick manage to leverage his competitive edge to climb the leaderboard? Only time will tell.

FAQs

What happened to Matt Fitzpatrick's ball during the BMW PGA Championship?

Matt Fitzpatrick believes his ball was stolen by spectators during a weather delay on the 18th hole, which led to him taking a penalty drop instead of playing a provisional ball.

Who are the leaders after round one of the BMW PGA Championship?

The leaders after round one are Ludvig Aberg and Tom Vaillant, both at eight under par.

How did Rory McIlroy perform in the first round?

Rory McIlroy had a challenging round, finishing at one over par after encountering bogeys and finding water on the final hole.

What is the significance of the BMW PGA Championship?

The BMW PGA Championship is a prestigious event in the golf calendar, attracting top players and offering significant ranking points and prize money.

When will the remaining rounds of the BMW PGA Championship be played?

The remaining rounds will be played following the completion of the first round, with players eager to improve their standings in the tournament.