PIETERS CAN’T STAND THE HEAT

THOMAS PIETERS blamed the scorching English summer for the last-hole bogey which cost him the chance to take the first-round lead at the BMW PGA. The Belgian Ryder Cup star (left) was a shot off the pace on the new West Course layout when he found the water going for the 18th green.

He finished with a fourunder 68 to be two shots behind shock leader Johan Carlsson, the world No.386 from Sweden.

Pieters said: “It slipped in my hands and came out low and never got there.

“It happens with these hot days – you need a towel. It was like Florida out there.

“I don’t know the last time that happened in England – 1992 maybe?

“It’s more likely it happens in the rain.” Few big names hit the heights in the high temperatures.

Open champion Henrik Stenson also carded a 68, along with Ross Fisher.

Justin Rose was level par, while Ian Poulter slumped to a 76 on his Wentworth return.