Gareth Bale took centre stage among a glittering roster of celebrities at Wednesday's BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro‑Am, while Rory McIlroy delivered an eye‑catching 12‑under‑par 60. The event, which blends professional golf with entertainment personalities, saw McIlroy's squad—featuring former Great Britain field hockey star Sam Quek, ex‑England cricketer Stuart Broad and Formula 1 mechanic Calum Nicholas—dominate the morning competition, finishing seven strokes clear of the nearest rivals. Bale, who boasts a handicap of just 1.1, was paired with a host of other ex‑footballers, including Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
The group, despite its football pedigree, managed a respectable 15th place finish in the Pro‑Am, posting a combined 23‑under‑par total. Before stepping onto the first tee, Bale spoke to Sky Sports News about Tottenham Hotspur's recent form and the impact of new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
"Sometimes it takes a bit of time for a side to settle," he remarked. "The manager has already shown he can produce attractive football. With a number of fresh signings arriving, I think they’ll start to click if we give them a little patience." Bale added that Spurs now possess the personnel to mount a serious European challenge next season, suggesting the club is on the cusp of a new upward trajectory. The afternoon session of the Pro‑Am proved equally dramatic.
JJ Spaun's team, comprising Amir Karimpour, Romain Peugeot and Kris Adams, ended up tied with Eugenio Chacarra's side, which featured Chris Hawkins, Darren Hall and Alex Bentley. Both squads posted identical scores of 36‑under‑par, sharing the top honors for the later round. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who was partnered with Ludvig Åberg, cricket legend Brian Lara and former City striker Jamie Vardy, reflected on the recent Manchester derby.
"City's performance was exceptional," Hart told Sky Sports. "It was a strange game, and I still think Haaland's goal should have been disallowed, but the overall display was superb. It’s a vital win to kick off the season." He went on to predict that City could push Arsenal deep into the Premier League title race.
McLaren’s Formula 1 chief executive Zak Brown also took part in the Pro‑Am, teaming up with European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose, who recently switched to McLaren‑branded clubs, and McLaren driver Lando Norris. The trio finished fifth in the afternoon round. Norris, ever the loyal teammate, explained his supportive role: "When you want something, you have to give something back.
I was trying to give Zak a bit of advice on his tee shot—maybe even push it out of bounds—but he nailed it anyway." Turning to the main attraction, McIlroy's performance was nothing short of spectacular. While the Pro‑Am scores are not counted as official tournament figures, McIlroy carded a 60, a round that included a bogey on the 16th but otherwise showcased flawless execution. He clarified during Tuesday's pre‑tournament press conference that he is still fine‑tuning elements of his swing, yet the results speak for themselves.
Historically, McIlroy's best round at the BMW PGA Championship is a 65, while his personal record 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 burst into form at Wentworth, birdieing the third hole, eagleing the fourth, and then stringing together eight consecutive birdies.
Sky Sports commentator Stuart Broad praised the display, noting, "Rory was 10‑under through 11 holes. He didn't miss a single putt and seemed completely in the zone." Broad added a light‑hearted comment about McIlroy's attire and equipment, joking, "He should wear the same clothes tomorrow, use the same ball. If he wants us to walk around with him, he's more than welcome!" The BMW PGA Championship continues to attract attention not only for the elite golfing talent but also for the crossover appeal of celebrities from sport and entertainment. Viewers can follow the unfolding drama throughout the week on Sky Sports Golf, with live coverage commencing Thursday at 7:30 am.
For those without a traditional subscription, streaming options are available via NOW, offering flexible, contract‑free access to the tournament. Overall, Wednesday's Pro‑Am delivered a blend of high‑octane competition and star power. Bale's endorsement of Tottenham's rebuilding process, Hart's confidence in Manchester City, and McIlroy's near‑perfect round all contributed to a memorable day at Wentworth.
As the championship progresses, the question on everyone's mind remains: who will ultimately lift the BMW PGA trophy? The answer will unfold over the coming days, with the tournament's rich history promising another chapter of thrilling golf and unforgettable moments.