Gareth Bale took centre stage among a glittering roster of celebrities at the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro‑Am on Wednesday, while Rory McIlroy dazzled the crowd with an extraordinary 12‑under‑par 60. The event, which blends professional golf with entertainment personalities, saw McIlroy’s squad dominate the morning session, finishing seven strokes clear of the nearest competitors.
McIlroy’s team was a cross‑sport mix, featuring former Great Britain field hockey star Sam Quek, retired England cricketer Stuart Broad, and Formula 1 mechanic Calum Nicholas. Their combined effort secured the top spot in the Pro‑Am’s first round, underscoring the appeal of bringing athletes from different disciplines onto the links.
Bale, who boasts an impressive handicap of 1.1, was accompanied by a cadre of former football icons. Chelsea legends John Terry and Eden Hazard joined him, as did Liverpool great Robbie Fowler. The football contingent added a lively atmosphere to the competition, and together they posted a respectable 23‑under‑par total, placing them 15th overall in the Pro‑Am field.
In a pre‑round interview with Sky Sports News, Bale offered his perspective on Tottenham Hotspur’s recent form under manager Roberto De Zerbi. He suggested that the team needed a period of adjustment to settle into the new system, noting, "Sometimes it takes a bit of time to get them to settle in. The manager has shown he can produce attractive football, and with the influx of new signings, the squad should start delivering results if given patience." Bale expressed optimism that Spurs could contend for a European place next season, believing the current roster possesses the quality required to elevate the club.
The morning’s highlights were followed by a tightly contested afternoon session. JJ Spaun’s group, which included Amir Karimpour, Romain Peugeot and Kris Adams, ended up dead‑heat with Eugenio Chacarra’s team—comprising Chris Hawkins, Darren Hall and Alex Bentley—both tallying a combined 36‑under‑par score. The close finish illustrated the competitive spirit that the Pro‑Am format can generate, even among amateurs.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, paired with Ludvig Åberg, cricket legend Brian Lara and former City striker Joe Hart, reflected on the recent Manchester derby. Hart described City’s performance as "exceptional" and predicted they would keep Arsenal at bay in the Premier League title race. He added, "It was a strange game, and I don’t think Haaland’s goal should have stood, but overall the team played superbly.
It was a crucial early‑season win." The Pro‑Am also attracted motorsport royalty. McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown teamed up with European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose, who had recently switched to McLaren‑branded clubs, and they finished fifth in the afternoon round. Lando Norris, the young McLaren driver, also took part, offering light‑hearted commentary about supporting his boss: "When you want something, you have to give something back.
I tried to tease Zak by wishing his tee shot would go out of bounds, but he nailed it instead." Rory McIlroy, who had admitted during Tuesday’s press conference that he was still fine‑tuning aspects of his swing, delivered a masterclass on Wednesday. He carded a 60, a score that, while not official for the tournament, highlighted his sharp form.
The Pro‑Am does not record scores above par, so his lone bogey on the 16th hole was omitted from the official tally. McIlroy’s personal best at the BMW PGA Championship is a 65, and his lowest ever on the DP World Tour came at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship, where he shot a 62.
Fresh off a tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open, McIlroy launched into an aggressive attack, birdieing the third hole and eagleing the fourth before stringing together eight consecutive birdies. Broad, who also works as a cricket commentator, marveled at the display, saying, "Rory was incredible—10‑under through 11 holes. He didn’t miss a single putt. I joked that he should wear the same clothes and use the same ball tomorrow because he’s in such a groove." Broad added, "He looked completely in the zone on the front nine—calm, relaxed, and utterly focused." The BMW PGA Championship continues throughout the week, with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf beginning Thursday at 7:30 am.
Viewers can also stream the action via NOW with no contract required, and stay updated on the latest Sky Sports offers. The tournament promises more drama, as the field of seasoned professionals and celebrity amateurs vie for the coveted title.