Caddie change ‘did it’ for leader
Wentworth – England’s Matt Wallace believes his decision to change his caddie is already paying dividends after shooting to the top of the leaderboard at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Thursday with a flawless opening 65.
Wallace carded an eagle and five birdies to enjoy a one-shot lead on seven-under par from Henrik Stenson and Jon Rahm, with Justin Rose just a shot further back.
However, it was a nightmare start for Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of the world No 1 ranking as the Northern Irishman finished the day four-over par after dropping five shots on the back nine.
Wallace was heavily criticised for berating his former bagman Dave McNeilly, 67, towards the end of June’s BMW International Open, where the defending champion twice found water on the 72nd hole as he chased a birdie to force a play-off.
The two initially made amends with McNeilly back on the bag for Wallace at the Open Championship, before parting ways last month.
“I hope I don’t ever have to make any decisions like that again, but it’s a business and it’s what everyone keeps telling me,” said Wallace.
“There are plenty of guys out here who have sacked many a caddie and this is my first one. I wouldn’t say it was a sacking, it was a parting of ways.
“Sometimes you need to make those hard decisions to go forward. I felt like it was the right one and it is producing some good stuff at the moment.”
Rose’s participation had been in doubt after he injured his left knee in a slip at home, but the world No 4 birdied four of his last eight holes to card an opening-round 67. –