BMW PGA star Noren back on home turf

BMW PGA Championship winner Alexander Noren has jetted to his homeland to compete in the Nordea Masters, seeking to claim the title for a third time.

Noren, who was a 7-2 chance for Wentworth glory when he finished his round two shots ahead, watched the chasing pack crumble under the strain of the target he set.

The super Swede was chalked up at 7-1 by bet365 in their opening Nordea show.

Noren won the 2011 Nordea by seven shots, then the 2015 event by four, but bet365 have made his compatriot Henrik Stenson their 11-2 favourite. English trio Lee Westwood, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Chris Wood are also in attendance at the Barseback Club, Malmo.

The US Tour moves from Texas to Ohio for the Memorial. Rory McIlroy remains on the treatment table and unable to play, leaving Dustin Johnson as clear market leader.

Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth and Jason Day are among Johnson’s opposition at Muirfield Village.

Bet365 Nordea Masters (starts Thursday, Barseback GC, Sweden): 11-2 H Stenson, 7 A Noren, 18 L Westwood, 22 M Fitzpatrick, 28 A Levy, C Wood, 30 P Larrazabal, 33 J Luiten, A Sullivan,
40 bar.

Bet365 Memorial Tournament (starts Thursday, Muirfield Village, Ohio): 6 D Johnson, 12 J Rahm, J Spieth, 14 J Day, 16 H Matsuyama, 20 J Rose, 22 A Scott, 28 R Fowler, 30 B Koepka, 35 M Kuchar, 40 bar.