Marcus Helligkilde sets the pace at BMW PGA Championship with sizzling 64
- Rob Fleming
- 14 September 2023
In a thrilling start to the BMW PGA Championship, Denmark's Marcus Helligkilde showcased his mastery on the Wentworth course, firing an electrifying 64 to seize the clubhouse lead.
Helligkilde's spectacular round featured ten birdies and only two bogeys, highlighting his remarkable precision and composure.
The tournament, already buzzing with excitement, witnessed Ludvig Aberg's dazzling performance alongside golf giants Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland. Despite his rookie status, Aberg exhibited poise beyond his years.
Aberg's scorecard boasted a four-under-par 68, even after a challenging double bogey on the 17th hole. His resilience shone as he delivered five consecutive birdies from the 11th hole, finishing strongly with another birdie on the last.
Reflecting on his performance, Aberg commented, "The 17th was a little bit stupid, but other than that I felt like I hit the ball great and gave myself a few chances, especially on the back nine where it's a little bit more scoreable. Overall, I'm really happy with the way I played."
The Swedish sensation acknowledged the pressure of playing alongside golf luminaries. "I was very nervous this morning, it would have been weird if I wasn't, and there were a lot more people following me round than usual. But playing with Rory and Viktor was a lot of fun. To be walking down the fairway with them and having conversations has been pretty cool. I am proud of the way I handled that, playing good golf with so much going on, and I am trying to keep that up."
Viktor Hovland, the reigning FedEx Cup champion and Aberg's Ryder Cup teammate, praised the young Swede's abilities, labeling him a "stud." Hovland stated, "The way he's played the last couple of months, he has not been a pro very long but he certainly doesn't look scared of the moment. He's super talented and he is going to be around a long time. He's going to do great things."
Helligkilde's brilliant 64 put him at eight under par, leading the pack, while England's Matt Fitzpatrick and Scotland's Richie Ramsay closely trailed in second place at six under par. Fitzpatrick, riding the momentum of his recent engagement, expressed satisfaction with his solid performance in front of the home crowd.
Other notable performances included former winner Tyrrell Hatton's 68, despite an unfortunate water hazard encounter on the 18th, and the defending champion Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood both carding 69s.
Meanwhile, Danny Willett's promising start unraveled due to an aggravation of a lingering shoulder injury. Willett, the 2019 champion, began strongly but struggled in the latter part of his round, eventually settling for a one-under-par 71. His determination was evident as he remarked, "I felt pretty strong...but when it goes, it goes." Willett will consult with a surgeon to determine the best course of action.
The BMW PGA Championship promises more thrilling action in the coming days, with Helligkilde leading the charge and Aberg and the field hot on his heels. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to an exhilarating tournament filled with exceptional talent and memorable moments.
