Alex Noren will launch his defence of the BMW PGA Championship in the company of Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood when the first Rolex Series event of 2018 gets under way at Wentworth Club on Thursday.
Noren, who came from seven shots back with a blistering Sunday 62 to win at the iconic Surrey venue 12 months ago, will this week look to become the first player to defend the famous title since Luke Donald in 2011-12.
Reigning Race to Dubai ChampionTommy Fleetwoodis out at 08.00 in the first round alongside home favouriteIan Poulterand up-and-coming EnglishmanMatt Wallace, while World Number 24Rafa Cabrera Bellotees off at 08.15 with ever-popularPadraig Harringtonand long-time Wentworth memberRoss Fisher.
The 2015 and 2016 BMW PGA winnersByeong Hun AnandChris Woodare out in a threeball at 12.20 with 2016 Masters ChampionDanny Willett, while multiple Wentworth winner and co-course designerErnie Elshas the company of England’sMatt Fitzpatrickand Ireland’sPaul Dunnefrom 08.25.
Ryder Cup skipperThomas Bjornis out at 13.00 on Thursday with Northern Ireland’sGraeme McDowelland Ireland’sShane Lowry, while last week’s winnerAdrian Otaegui, who won his second European Tour title in a knockout format in Belgium, is off at 09.50 with Korea’sJeunghun Wangand ItalianRenato Paratore.
Wentworth memberSteven Brown, who finished seventh in Sicily two weeks ago, will get the 2018 BMW PGA Championship under way at precisely 07.00 on Thursday morning.
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