McIlroy Can’t Be Trusted
The favourite going into the BMW PGA Championship is Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy. The 35-year-old did win the Wells Fargo Championship back in May this year, but he has failed to capitalise on some good chances to add to his win tally this summer. In June he finished runner-up at the US Open when he could have ended his major drought, and last week he came agonisingly close in the Irish Open, losing by a single stroke.
Coming back to Wentworth will give McIlroy fond memories, as he won this event in 2014, and he’s finished runner-up here twice in his career. However, at 21/4, he’s way too short. We all know he’s got the capabilities to win, but with his recent ability of failing to get across the line, he has to be taken on.
Lowry Loves Wentworth
My main selection this week is Irishman Shane Lowry. The 37-year-old has had a very good season and has threatened to go close on several occasions. He has only missed one cut since January, and he had several top-10 finishes. Despite his good form in 2024, that isn’t the main reason why I’m drawn to him. The determining factor to why I’m siding with him this week is his record at Wentworth. Though he won in 2022, he’s got a proven track record at the course. Apart from 2016, he has never missed the cut since at the BMW PGA Championship and has eleven Top 20 finishes to his name since 2010. With that in mind, he has to be taken seriously at 12/1 this week.
Manassero Making Up For Lost Time
Next on my shortlist is the Italian Matteo Manassero. After several years in the wilderness, he’s been featuring high on the leaderboard this summer, and in March he won his first DP World Tour event for over 10 years. Early in his career, the 31-year-old won this tournament in 2013, so it’s a course he knows his way around. Last week, Manassero finished third in the Irish Open and was in contention for the tournament all week. If he can build on that performance, then I wouldn’t be surprised if he can be in the shakeup this week.
Luiten Can Be Lethal
My last pick for the BMW PGA Championship is Dutchman Joost Luiten. I’ve been following him for a while in recent weeks, as I think his time is near. The 38-year-old did us a favour a couple of weeks ago with an each-way return when he finished sixth at the Omega European Masters. Luiten isn’t a flashy player, but he’s very steady. As a result of his playing style, he’s put together several solid tournaments this summer. When it comes to his record at Wentworth, it’s not terrible. Last year he finished in a tie for 14th, and he has been in around the top 10 at this event in the past. At 85/1, he’s going to be my outsider for the week.
The weather looks promising this week, so we’re likely to see some low scores.
BMW PGA Championship Shortlist
Shane Lowry EW (12/1)
Matteo Manassero EW (33/1)
Joost Luiten EW (85/1)
