Bjorn Red-Hot at BMW PGA Championship


Thomas Bjorn matched the course record after firing a 10-under 62 and taking the first-round lead in the BMW PGA Championship. The European Tour major began Thursday at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.

The 43-year-old Dane carded an eagle and eight birdies on Wentworth's West Course. The 15-time European Tour winner - like the rest of the field - endured two 45-minute delays due to the threat of lightning in the area.

"You shoot great rounds in your career but to shoot 62 on this course, you can't ask for more," said Bjorn, who missed the cut in last week's Spanish Open. "Last week was awful and I was starting to feel a little frustrated with things. Practice this week, I was not good either.

"To step out on this course of all courses and play like I did today was surprising," added the former resident of Wentworth. "Although I lived here for nine years it's not a place where I think it's going to be a great week, but I have to stick my head down now and focus on the rest of the week."

Bjorn matched the previous record of 9-under 62 set by Sweden's Robert Karlsson in 2010 before the West Course was remodeled and taken from a par 71 to 72.

Bjorn heads into the second round two shots ahead of Ireland's Shane Lowry and three in front of Spain's Rafa Cabrera-Bella. Four back is Gary Stal of France.

Three players posted 67s, while another six had 68s. Among the latter group was Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who had eagles on the par-4 seventh and par-5 12th along with three birdies and three bogeys.

After revealing that he'd ended his wedding engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki on Wednesday, McIlroy admitted it was difficult to concentrate at times only a day after the announcement.

"I just tried to bury my head in my golf and I did a pretty good job of it," McIlroy. "I think it's only natural, I don't think you would be human if it wasn't tough, especially when it's a little slow out there and you are waiting between shots."

Other scores included a 69 by three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, a 70 by reigning U.S. Open champion Justin Rose, and 71s by Brits Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.

Because of the weather delays not all the players finished their first rounds.

After recording a 1-over 73, Sergio Garcia withdrew from the tournament. The 34-year-old Spaniard pulled out because of knee injury.

For updated scoring, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2014040/leaderboard/index.html.