BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

September 17, 2026

Rory McIlroy

Wentworth Golf Club

Quick Quotes (2)

Q. 69 to kick off the week, strong overall, tell us your thoughts.

RORY McILROY: Yeah, started very strong, 5-under through 10, and started hitting a few loose shots on the way in. Loose drive on 3, loose drive on 4 that I actually got a way with, got lucky with. And then another one on 7.

Yeah, it started to get a little tricky there at the end. Wind was gusty. But I played well. I certainly saw some improvements on the greens compared to last week. So, yeah, it's an encouraging start. Felt like I could have been a couple better at least but I think it's going to play pretty tricky this afternoon. So 69 isn't a bad score to start with.

Q. We all heard about this round you put together yesterday, albeit in the Pro-Am, but obviously a lot going right in the game. How easy was it to come into today and bring that sort of form into Round 1 of the tournament?

RORY McILROY: I think whenever you're seeing good signs, whether it be in practice, practice rounds or Pro-Ams, it can give you confidence to go out and know that you're swinging well and you're hitting shots you want to hit and you're holing a few putts.

Anytime you play like that, you string, whatever it is, nine birdies and an eagle in ten holes, you know you're going something right. But, unfortunately, it was on a Wednesday but not a Thursday.

Yeah, look, I said last week in Ireland, I see encouraging signs in my game. It's just a matter of sticking with it, sticking with some of the feels that I've got in my swing; and hopefully over time, that feels more natural and I can just get in the flow of visualising shots and hitting shots and being more instinctive on course.

Q. Incredible crowds that we get here this week at Wentworth. These are huge weeks, ultimately all leading to the final Lee in Dubai, The Race to Dubai. How motivated are you to turn up in weeks like this, and how excited are you for this big run to the finish?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I am excited. Obviously this week is a really big week. A lot of points on offer. I didn't have the greatest week last week, and Patrick played well, so I dropped a little bit further behind him.

India is going to be another good week, a competitive field, and I've always loved doing going to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, two places and two courses that have treated me well over the years. Hopefully I go there still in with a chance, and yeah, try to finish the year off strong in the Middle East and try to win another Race to Dubai.