Luke Donald and Justin Rose have launched what could develop into another Sunday shootout in the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.
Overnight leader Donald began two shots clear of compatriot Rose having both shot three under par 69s in the third round, and there was an expectant and boisterous atmosphere, a mood evoking thoughts of the impending Ryder Cup, as they strolled onto the first tee to rapturous applause from the teeming galleries gathered around the West Course’s famous opener.
In the presence of European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady, Richard Caring, owner of the Wentworth Club, and Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, the English pair were welcomed to the tee under a once again strikingly blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds as yesterday’s swirling wind dwindled to a cooling breeze.
Rose was heard to say, “Have a good one mate” to compatriot Donald at the tee box, yet over the next four hours they will put aside their friendship and lock horns as Sunday looks set to deliver yet more drama across the renowned Harry Colt layout, as both men seek to hoist the coveted BMW PGA Championship trophy come this evening.
Rose was first to tee it up on the first, firing a fairway wood down the right hand side, as Donald chose a rescue club which was also down the right hand side but short of Rose’s.
The two shared pars at the first hole before both missed the green at the short second. Donald managed to get up and down to save par but Rose couldn’t do the same and so the lead stretched to three as the leading pair reached the third tee.
More drama, though, surely to come. Stay tuned.
