Jarvis starts strong, McIlroy falters late at Wentworth

Stimpmeter · September 12, 2025, 9:30am

South Africa’s Casey Jarvis surged into contention at the BMW PGA Championship on Thursday, carding a sparkling seven-under-par 65 to sit alone in third place after the opening round at Wentworth.

The 21-year-old from Boksburg, playing in just his second appearance at the flagship event, produced a superb display in tough, rainswept conditions.

Jarvis mixed eight birdies with a single bogey to finish two shots off the overnight lead held by Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg and France’s Tom Vaillant, who both signed for eight-under 64s.

“It was a really solid round,” Jarvis said. “I stayed patient through the delay and managed to take my chances when they came. To be up there on the leaderboard in this company feels special.”

His fellow countrymen Dylan Fichardt was three shots back sharing eight (T8) on eight-under 67. Dylan Naidoo carded 69 and Dylan Frittelli 72.

Rory McIlroy, the world No 2 and fresh from victory at the Irish Open, had looked poised for another low score. The Northern Irishman opened with birdies at the 1st and 4th and picked up further shots at the 10th, 12th and 16th. But his approach into the par-five 18th found water, and he closed with a bogey for a three-under 69 – five behind the leaders.

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, another of Europe’s Ryder Cup selections, shot a six-under 66, while veteran Justin Rose and Ireland’s Shane Lowry both finished on five-under 67s. In total, 11 of Europe’s 12 Ryder Cup players teed it up in the opening round, which was delayed 90 minutes by rain.

Ten groups will complete their first rounds on Friday morning.

Photo: Ross Kinnaird Getty Images

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