The 2026 BMW PGA Championship is underway at Wentworth – here are the latest headlines from the world of golf including a major update on Rory McIlroy
The BMW PGA Championship is into its crucial weekend stages, with Wentworth once again providing the backdrop for one of the biggest events on the DP World Tour calendar. With a host of the world’s leading players battling it out, there is plenty at stake as the season edges towards its conclusion.
As ever, the action has not been short of talking points, with events on and off the course adding an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings in Surrey. One of the tournament’s biggest names has seen his hopes take an unexpected turn, while another has been given fresh reason to believe he can make an impact on the Race to Dubai standings.
There has also been plenty of respect between two familiar rivals, despite their history of fierce competition over the years. With the third round now underway, here is the latest from Wentworth as the BMW PGA Championship takes centre stage.
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Patrick Reed withdraws
Patrick Reed was forced to pull out midway through the second round of the BMW PGA Championship. The former Masters champion had made an encouraging start and was sitting inside the top 10 before his afternoon took a dramatic turn.
Reed ran into trouble on the ninth hole before attempting a difficult shot close to a tree root. After playing the awkward shot, he appeared to be struggling with his wrist and was eventually taken away from the course by cart.
The withdrawal represents a major setback for Reed’s ambitions on the DP World Tour. He arrived at Wentworth leading the Race to Dubai standings, narrowly ahead of Rory McIlroy, and had been hoping to strengthen his position with another strong showing.
Instead, his early exit gives McIlroy a valuable opening in the battle for the season-ending prize.
Rory McIlroy speaks out
McIlroy was asked about Reed’s withdrawal and his own position in the Race to Dubai battle, making it clear that his motivation to win remains unchanged regardless of who stands in his way.
The Northern Irishman also acknowledged the competitive history between the pair and paid tribute to Reed’s performances since leaving LIV Golf. With Reed unable to add to his points tally at Wentworth, McIlroy now has a chance to make significant ground this weekend.
McIlroy began the third round on eight under, four shots behind leader Ryan Gerard, and knows a strong finish could considerably reduce the gap between himself and Reed with only a few weeks of the season remaining.
Speaking about his long-running rivalry with Reed, McIlroy said: “Obviously Patrick and I have had quite the battles over years, whether it be Ryder Cup, final round in a major,” he said.
“Dubai Desert Classic a few years ago. He’s a great competitor and he’s played great all year. I respect him for how he’s went about it, and coming through here, he’s put his head down and done the work, and it’s actually been really good to see.
“Unfortunately he’s pulled out this week, which gives me an opportunity to try to claw back some ground that I lost last week in Ireland. This weekend is a big weekend for me to pick up a few points and make the race even tighter going into these last few weeks.”

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