- Seven of Europe’s Ryder Cup team in top 10 at BMW PGA Championships
- Kiwi Fox clinches biggest career win at Wentworth
- Hatton runner-up, impressive late charges from Rahm and McIlroy
Europe will head into the Ryder Cup boosted by the performances of the team’s players at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, with a number of players in the mix. However, it was Ryan Fox who stole the show.
Fox secures best win of career ahead of Hatton
While New Zealand’s Fox clinched the title at Wentworth, seven players from Luke Donald’s team secured spots in the top 10.
Tyrrell Hatton, who finished as joint runner-up, led by four shots after notching seven birdies and just one bogey in the first 12 holes. However, a costly out-of-bounds drive on the 15th hole, followed by a bogey after an 80-minute lightning delay, put paid to his chances.
Hatton managed a crucial birdie on the 18th to tie with Fox at 17 under. The tension heightened as Aaron Rai’s eagle attempt narrowly missed, leaving Fox with a six-foot birdie putt to secure his fourth DP World Title and the most significant triumph of his career.
Big charges from Rahm and McIlroy as rookie Aberg falters
Spanish player Jon Rahm’s remarkable comeback, starting from a tied 37th position after the first round, culminated in a fourth-place finish at 16 under, bolstering his reputation as a formidable contender for the Ryder Cup. Many pundits expect Rahm to be paired with Hatton at the Ryder Cup..
Rory McIlroy, despite a challenging start where he was in danger of missing the cut, made a remarkable surge, finishing joint seventh with a superb final round score of 65. Beginning the day trailing the then leader, Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Aberg by ten shots, McIlroy narrowed the gap to just two after an outstanding performance in the first 15 holes. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure birdies on the 17th and 18th, both par fives, to intensify the pressure on those still on the course after an 82-minute weather delay.
Swede Aberg, who had led overnight, and only turned professional in June, had a tough final round, ultimately finishing four over.
Betting Implications
While the USA remain narrow favourites, Europe will go into the Ryder Cup full of confidence as many of their top players appear to be coming into form at the right time. While the USA may be stronger on paper, Europe have home advantage and this, combined with their top players hitting form, could lead to an upset.
With the USA being holders, a draw would see them retain the trophy. At the time of writing, BoyleSports have the USA as evens to win, with Europe 11/10 and a draw 11/1. The USA are 8/11 to lift the trophy (a draw would see Zach Johnson’s side retain the trophy), with Europe 11/10. Odds are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
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