Gareth Bale took centre stage among a glittering roster of celebrities at Wednesday's BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro‑Am, while Rory McIlroy dazzled the crowd with a spectacular 12‑under 60. McIlroy's squad, which featured former Great Britain hockey international Sam Quek, former England cricketer Stuart Broad and Formula 1 mechanic Calum Nicholas, dominated the morning Pro‑Am, winning by a comfortable seven‑stroke margin. Bale, who boasts a handicap of 1.1, was paired with several other ex‑football stars, including Chelsea legends John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler. The group, alongside Bale, posted a combined 23‑under‑par total, securing 15th place in the Pro‑Am standings.
Ahead of his tee‑time, Bale spoke to Sky Sports News about Tottenham Hotspur's recent form and manager Roberto De Zerbi's impact. "Sometimes it takes a bit of time for a team to settle," Bale observed. "The manager has shown he can produce attractive football. With the influx of new signings, I think they’ll start delivering results if given a little patience." He added that Spurs now possess the personnel required to mount a serious challenge for a European place next season.
The afternoon session of the Pro‑Am concluded in a tie. JJ Spaun's team—comprising Amir Karimpour, Romain Peugeot and Kris Adams—finished level with Eugenio Chacarra's side, which included Chris Hawkins, Darren Hall and Alex Bentley. Both contingents recorded an impressive 36‑under‑par total, sharing the top honours for the second half of the day.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who teamed up with Ludvig Åberg, cricket legend Brian Lara and former Manchester City keeper Joe Hart (the latter appearing twice due to a reporting error), reflected on Manchester City's recent derby victory. He described the performance as "exceptional" and predicted that the club could push Arsenal back in the Premier League title race. "It was a strange game," Hart told Sky Sports.
"I don’t think Haaland’s goal should have stood, but overall the performance was outstanding. It’s a vital win to start the season right." McLaren F1 chief executive Zak Brown also joined the Pro‑Am, playing alongside European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose, who recently switched to McLaren‑branded clubs, and McLaren driver Lando Norris.
Their team finished fifth in the afternoon round. Norris explained his loyalty to Brown, saying, "When you want something, you have to give something back. I’m happy to support my boss and give him advice. He hit a great tee shot, which I was a bit jealous of—I even wanted him to hit it out of bounds!" Rory McIlroy, who had admitted during Tuesday's pre‑tournament press conference that he was still fine‑tuning aspects of his swing, produced a masterclass performance in the Pro‑Am.
He carded a 60, a score that, while not official for the tournament, highlighted his sharp form. The Pro‑Am format does not record scores above par, and McIlroy recorded a single bogey on the 16th hole. His personal best at the BMW PGA Championship is a 65, while his all‑time low on the DP World Tour is a 62, achieved at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship.
Fresh from a tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open, McIlroy was in scintillating rhythm, birdieing the third hole, eagleing the fourth, and then stringing together eight consecutive birdies. "Rory was unbelievable; he was 10‑under through the first 11 holes," Broad remarked on Sky Sports.
"He didn’t miss a single putt. I joked with him, saying he should wear the same clothes and use the same ball tomorrow. If he wants us to walk the course with him, he’s more than welcome! He was completely in the zone on the front nine—calm, relaxed, and utterly focused." The Pro‑Am event also featured a range of other notable personalities.
Former England cricketer Stuart Broad, now a regular pundit on Sky Sports Cricket, provided commentary on McIlroy's swing, noting the golfer's fluid tempo and precise ball striking. Meanwhile, former rugby star Sam Quek shared insights into the mental preparation required for high‑pressure golf, drawing parallels between elite field hockey and professional golf. As the tournament progresses, the spotlight will shift to the main competition. Fans can follow live coverage throughout the week on Sky Sports Golf, with broadcasts beginning Thursday at 7:30 a.m.
Viewers also have the option to stream the action via NOW without a contract, taking advantage of the latest Sky Sports offers. In summary, Wednesday's BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro‑Am delivered a blend of sporting excellence and celebrity intrigue. Bale's endorsement of Tottenham's rebuilding phase, Hart's praise for Manchester City, and McIlroy's near‑perfect round all contributed to a memorable day.
The afternoon tie between Spaun's and Chacarra's squads set the stage for an exciting second half, while the presence of F1 executives and former football greats underscored the event's cross‑sport appeal. The tournament continues to captivate audiences, promising more drama and high‑level golf as the competition moves forward.