Virginia Water, England (AP) — Matsuyama Hideki made two eagles to film an 8-under 64 after the second round of the BMW PGA Championship on Friday, taking a stroke lead over a trio of European Ryder Cup players.
Viktor Hovland (66), Ludvig Aberg (69) and Justin Rose (66) were leading Matsuyama’s pursuit in the final event before the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on September 26-28.
There are 11 members of the European team playing this week, and only one person has failed to make the cut. Rookie Rasmus Hoiguard (ages over 75).
Matsuyama made his debut in a flagship event on the European Tour, and the former Japanese Masters champion immediately took him to the Wentworth Club, making 11 birdies with the Eagles this week in two of the four par 5s in the second round, becoming under 12 in the tournament.
Fourth he rolled in 15 footer and on the 17th he tipped through the green edge and jumped into the lead later that day.
“I didn’t expect this to be a good thing,” said Matsuyama, who was ranked 16th.
Ranked 15th, Hofland couldn’t remember chipping and putting like Friday, making three straight birdies from fourth, when he stopped a 40-foot putt for the Eagle the last time.
“I’m so happy to be where I am and score a goal. It’s incredible to be honest with you,” Hofland said.
He finished 7th in the BMW Championship and 12th in the Tour Championship in the recent FedEx Cup finale of the PGA Tour.
Hovland will likely be a partner for Bethpage’s Aoberg. The Swedes also seem to be playing well, following the opening of 64 with 69.
No. 12 rank Rose made eight birdies to become second place in his Ryder Cup teammate.
Of the other Ryder Cup players, Rory McIlroy shot a level par 72 last, 3 under from the lead from the 9th stroke.
