McIlroy finding his rhythm

RORY McILROY has wisely stayed well away from all the criticism being levelled at Wentworth’s new-look West Course at the BMW PGA Championship. He was happy yesterday, having done just enough to scrape into the weekend thanks to a two under par 69 although he made no secret of his distaste for the drastically altered par five 18th.

It was something of a pushover until Ernie Els got his hands on it during last year’s overhaul. The South African wanted to put a lake in front of the green, Wentworth owner Richard Caring (who was picking up the bill for more than £6 million pounds!) instead insisted that it should be a burn. The pair of them argued long and hard before Caring’s money won the day.

The final result certainly looks well and few could question the quality of the craftsmanship. Trouble is that they also reduced the putting surface to such an extent that very few are prepared to go for it in two. The irony is that it is regarded as a risk-and-reward hole but few if any of Europe’s finest are prepared to take it on.