The 2018 BMW PGA Championship

Molinari cruises to victory as McIlroy’s challenge stalls on West Course

Italy’s Francesco Molinari displayed a cool head and a razor-sharp game to see off the challenge of Rory McIlroy in the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Molinari, who started the day tied with the Northern Irishman at the top of the leaderboard, took control early in the round and then refused to release his grip on one of the most coveted trophies in professional golf.

Where McIlroy, who had led by three after 36 holes, was wayward off the tee, Molinari was precise and measured. He first opened a gap over the world No.8 and pre-tournament favourite with a birdie at the 3rd hole and extended the lead to three with two more, at the 4th and 8th.

With an outward half of 32, he came home in 36 for a 17-under-par total of 271 and victory by two strokes over McIlroy (70), three over Alex Noren (SWE) the 2017 champion, and Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN), the first round leader. “If feels amazing,” the delighted winner said. “I have been close many times and now I’ve finally got across the line. If I picked one tournament to win, it would be the BMW PGA Championship.” With the trophy came a first prize of €1 million as well.

On presenting Molinari with the trophy, Dr Ian Robertson, BMW Group said, “I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Francesco for a fantastic victory in the 2018 BMW PGA Championship. I would like to say how honoured we are to be the title partner of this flagship event for the fourteenth consecutive year. There is such a great atmosphere here. This venue always has a special feeling and you can really sense everyone’s passion for this championship. During a week with phenomenal displays of tenacity and athleticism, backed by incredible crowds, I think we can agree that the BMW PGA Championship exceeded all expectations.”