VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) – Hideki Matsuyama made two eagles while shooting an impressive 8-under par 64, taking a one-stroke lead over a group of European Ryder Cup competitors after the second round of the BMW PGA Championship on Friday.
Viktor Hovland (66), Ludvig Åberg (69), and Justin Rose (66) are hot on Matsuyama’s heels, each vying for a strong finish before the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black slated for September 26-28.
Participating this week, 11 members of the European team showcased their skills, with only rookie Rasmus Hojgaard (5 over after a 75) failing to advance.
Making his debut in this prestigious event, Matsuyama, a former Masters champion from Japan, showcased his prowess with 11 birdies and two eagles on par-5s, bringing his total to 12 under for the tournament. At the fourth hole, he sank a 15-foot putt, and at the 17th he completed a chip-in, securing his lead late in the round.
“I wasn’t expecting to play this well,” said the 16th-ranked Matsuyama.
Hovland, ranked 15th, expressed confidence in his game, remarking on his solid shot-making: “I can’t remember playing as well as I did today.”
Hovland made three consecutive birdies from No. 4, birdied No. 16, and capped off his round with a 40-foot putt for eagle at the last hole.
“I’m thrilled with my position and my scoring; it’s truly incredible,” he shared.
He ended the BMW Championship in seventh and the Tour Championship in twelfth place in the recent FedEx Cup finale on the PGA Tour.
It’s likely that Hovland will partner with Åberg at Bethpage, as Åberg continues to impress after following a strong opening round of 64 with a solid 69.
Rose, ranked 12th, joined his Ryder Cup colleagues tied for second place after an impressive eight birdies.
Among other Ryder Cup participants, Rory McIlroy ended with a double-bogey on the last hole, finishing with a par 72, leaving him nine strokes behind the leader, while Jon Rahm managed to birdie the last two holes to finish 4 under par.
