Gareth Bale took centre stage among a glittering roster of celebrities at Wednesday's BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro‑Am, while Rory McIlroy dazzled with a spectacular 12‑under‑par round of 60. The event, held at the iconic Wentworth Club, blended football legends, cricket greats, and motorsport personalities in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere.
McIlroy's squad, featuring former Great Britain hockey star Sam Quek, England cricket veteran Stuart Broad, and Formula 1 mechanic Calum Nicholas, dominated the morning Pro‑Am, pulling away by a comfortable seven‑stroke margin. Their performance set the tone for a day filled with memorable moments across both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Bale, who boasts an impressive handicap of 1.1, was accompanied by a host of former football icons. Chelsea stalwarts John Terry and Eden Hazard joined the Welsh forward, while Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler added his name to the lineup.
The football contingent also included Manchester City’s former goalkeeper Joe Hart, who later reflected on Manchester City's recent derby win, describing the performance as "exceptional" and expressing confidence that the team could challenge Arsenal for the Premier League crown. In the Pro‑Am, Bale's group was paired with Swedish rising star Ludvig Åberg, cricket icon Brian Lara, and former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
The quartet finished 15th overall, posting a combined 23‑under‑par total. Their solid showing highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define these celebrity events. The afternoon session proved equally thrilling.
JJ Spaun's team, comprising Amir Karimpour, Romain Peugeot and Kris Adams, locked horns with Eugenio Chacarra's side, which featured Chris Hawkins, Darren Hall and Alex Bentley. Both groups finished tied for the top spot in the afternoon, each recording a 36‑under‑par score and sharing the honors.
Beyond the football and cricket representatives, the Pro‑Am attracted notable figures from the world of motorsport. McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown teed off alongside European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose, who had recently switched to McLaren‑branded clubs. Their partnership earned them a respectable fifth‑place finish in the afternoon round.
Supporting Brown was McLaren driver Lando Norris, who humorously admitted he wanted to see his boss miss a tee shot, saying, "I was annoyed when he hit a good drive; I wanted it to go out of bounds so I could tease him." Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, used the Pro‑Am as a platform to showcase the progress he has made on his swing. In a pre‑tournament press conference, the Northern Irish star explained that he was still fine‑tuning elements of his technique. Nevertheless, on Wednesday he produced a flawless 60, a score that, while not official for the main tournament, underscored his sharp form. The round included a bogey on the 16th hole—the only blemish—while the rest of his card was a parade of birdies and eagles.
Notably, McIlroy recorded eight consecutive birdies after an early eagle on the fourth hole, propelling him to 10‑under through the first eleven holes. Commentator Stuart Broad, who also participated in the Pro‑Am, praised McIlroy’s performance, noting, "He didn’t miss any putts and was in the zone on the front nine. Very calm, very relaxed." McIlroy's 60 is not his lowest ever at the BMW PGA Championship; his best there remains a 65.
However, his career‑best on the DP World Tour is a 62, achieved at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship. Fresh off a tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open, McIlroy seemed to have found his rhythm again, delivering a series of spectacular shots that thrilled spectators and fellow competitors alike.
The event also provided a platform for players to discuss broader football topics. Prior to his tee time, Bale spoke to Sky Sports News about Tottenham Hotspur’s recent form under manager Roberto De Zerbi. He suggested that the team needed time to settle and that the influx of new signings could pay dividends if given patience. Bale expressed optimism that Spurs could contend for European competition next season, emphasizing that the squad now possesses the talent required to elevate their performance.
In addition to the on‑course action, the broadcast featured reminders for viewers to use the Chrome browser for an enhanced video experience, ensuring that fans could enjoy high‑quality coverage of the Pro‑Am and the subsequent tournament rounds. Looking ahead, the BMW PGA Championship will continue throughout the week, with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf starting Thursday at 7:30 am. Fans can follow the evolving leaderboard, watch extended highlights, and stay updated on the latest Sky Sports offers or stream the action via NOW without a contract. The combination of star power, high‑level golf, and engaging commentary promises an exciting week of competition at Wentworth.