- Fitzpatrick’s ball was reportedly stolen during a thunderstorm delay on the 18th hole at Wentworth.
- He was able to take a penalty drop, avoiding the use of a provisional ball.
- Fitzpatrick finished the round six under par with a 66.
- Ludvig Aberg tied for the lead with France’s Tom Vaillant, finishing strong with three birdies.
- Weather delays affected multiple players, including Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.
Matt Fitzpatrick encountered an unusual setback during the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, as his golf ball appears to have been taken by spectators during a weather delay. The incident occurred on the 18th hole just as play was suspended for over 90 minutes due to thunder and lightning.
Despite the disruption, Fitzpatrick was able to take a penalty drop once play resumed, avoiding the need to play a provisional ball. This adjustment likely saved him at least one stroke and contributed to his six-under-par 66 finish for the round.
The English golfer trails his playing partner Ludvig Aberg, who shares the lead with France’s Tom Vaillant. Aberg demonstrated strong form, finishing with three consecutive birdies, including a remarkable 50-foot putt on the 17th hole.
Weather conditions forced several players, including Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, to complete their rounds on Friday morning. Only Sepp Straka from Donald’s team was absent. Fitzpatrick’s pairing with Aberg offered a preview of potential Ryder Cup matchups, with both players performing solidly despite the challenging circumstances.
Aberg’s putting performance was a key factor in his score, highlighting his consistency on the greens. The partnership between Fitzpatrick and Aberg, characterized by camaraderie beyond the golf course, demonstrated effective teamwork and focus, serving as preparation for the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
