Gareth Bale took centre stage among a glittering roster of celebrities at the Wednesday BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro‑Am, while Rory McIlroy dazzled with an astonishing 12‑under‑par round of 60. The event, which blends professional golf with high‑profile amateurs, showcased a mix of athletes, entertainers and motorsport personalities, all competing for bragging rights and charitable prizes. McIlroy's squad, featuring former Great Britain field‑hockey star Sam Quek, former England cricketer Stuart Broad and Formula 1 mechanic Calum Nicholas, dominated the morning session. Their combined effort outpaced the nearest competitors by seven strokes, securing a decisive victory in the Pro‑Am segment.
McIlroy, who described his performance as "still working on elements of his swing" during Tuesday's pre‑tournament press conference, turned in a flawless 60, a score that, while not official for the main tournament, highlighted his exceptional form heading into the event. The football contingent was equally impressive. Bale, who carries a 1.1 handicap, was joined by former Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
The quartet formed part of a larger group that also included former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, cricket legend Brian Lara and Swedish rising star Ludvig Åberg. Their team posted a combined 23‑under‑par total, enough for a respectable 15th‑place finish in the Pro‑Am leaderboard.
In a pre‑round interview with Sky Sports News, Bale offered his perspective on Tottenham Hotspur's recent form under manager Roberto De Zerbi. "Sometimes it takes a bit of time for a team to settle," he observed, noting that De Zerbi has already demonstrated the capacity to produce attractive football.
Bale added that the influx of new signings should begin to pay dividends, and he is optimistic that Spurs could mount a European qualification challenge next season, provided the squad continues to gel. The afternoon session saw a dramatic tie for the top spot. JJ Spaun's team—comprised of Amir Karimpour, Romain Peugeot and Kris Adams—finished level with Eugenio Chacarra's squad, which included Chris Hawkins, Darren Hall and Alex Bentley.
Both groups posted identical scores of 36‑under‑par, sharing the honours for the day's best performance. Reflecting on Manchester City's recent derby victory, Hart praised his side's display as "exceptional" and predicted that the club could keep Arsenal at bay in the Premier League title race.
"It was a strange game, and I don’t think Haaland’s goal should have stood, but overall the performance was superb," Hart told Sky Sports, emphasizing the importance of the win for the season's early momentum. The Pro‑Am also attracted motorsport royalty. McLaren F1 chief executive Zak Brown paired with European Ryder Cup veteran Justin Rose, who recently switched to McLaren‑branded clubs. Their partnership secured a respectable fifth‑place finish in the afternoon round.
Lando Norris, the young McLaren driver, also joined the festivities, offering a light‑hearted comment about supporting his boss: "When you want something, you have to give something back. I was annoyed when Zak hit a good tee shot because I wanted him to go out of bounds!" Norris laughed, adding that he would gladly lend advice and encouragement. McIlroy's 60 was punctuated by a flurry of birdies and an eagle early in the round. After a birdie on the third hole and an eagle on the fourth, he proceeded to string together eight consecutive birdies, propelling him to 10‑under through the first eleven holes.
Broad, who also works as a commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, marveled at the display: "He didn’t miss any putts. I was joking that he should wear the same clothes and use the same ball tomorrow—if he wants us to walk around with him, he’s more than welcome! He looked completely in the zone on the front nine, very calm and relaxed." It is worth noting that while the Pro‑Am scores are not counted toward official tournament standings, McIlroy's round was nonetheless remarkable. His personal best at the BMW PGA Championship is a 65, and his lowest ever DP World Tour round is a 62, achieved at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship.
The 60, albeit unofficial, underscored his sharpness after a tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open. Fans eager to follow the remainder of the BMW PGA Championship can tune in to Sky Sports Golf, which will broadcast live coverage from Thursday morning onward. The tournament promises further drama as the field narrows and contenders vie for the coveted title. For those without a traditional subscription, NOW offers a contract‑free streaming option, ensuring that the excitement of Wentworth remains accessible to a global audience.