McIlroy Chases Baldwin, Just Two Shots Behind in PGA Championship.

Posted 2 months ago

Rory McIlroy wrapped up the first round of the BMW PGA Championship two shots behind England's Matthew Baldwin after a day filled with challenges at Wentworth in Surrey.

On the 12th hole, Rory McIlroy faced a surprising challenge when the clubhead of his eight-iron flew off mid-swing. Despite this mishap, the former world number one managed to sink the ball within 10 feet of the pin and made a birdie.

Throughout the round, McIlroy had to adapt, hitting one putt left-handed, dealing with a tee shot on the 17th that bounced out of the trees, and watching his approach on the 18th go out of bounds, resulting in a double-bogey. He finished at five under par.

In contrast, leader Matthew Baldwin shined with a bogey-free 65, carding seven birdies. The 38-year-old from Southport holds a one-shot lead over British Masters winner Niklas Norgaard and Belgium's Thomas Detry.

McIlroy's 67 was matched by Ryder Cup teammates Shane Lowry and Robert MacIntyre, while England's 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett trailed by a shot at four under.