Meaty bet on 'Beef' Johnston is pick of Wentworth menu

Sky Sports Golf, 10am Friday

Rory McIlroy made a strong start to the BMW PGA Championship, the pre-tournament 9-1 favourite opening up with a five-under-par 67 at Wentworth.

McIlroy, seeking to claim the PGA title for the second time in his career, strengthened his position at the top of the betting with seven birdies. Matt Fitzpatrick matched that score, while South African duo Dean Burmester and Darren Fichardt needed one shot fewer.

Pick of the second-round threeball options may be popular Londoner, Andrew Johnston, who can defeat Eddie Pepperell and Haotong Li in the 12.20pm contest. Pepperell has been struggling with a wrist injury as well as a chronic lack of confidence in using his driver, so he looks extremely vulnerable.

Johnston got stuck on the par train in round one, carding 15 of them, but the man known as Beef can be fancied to pack a punch on Friday.

The popular Barnet boy has plenty of demands on his time in his home event, which could explain the sluggish start, but expect a focused and determined effort to make the cut.

The typically accurate Johnston is well suited to Wentworth and can boast two-year PGA form of 7-21. His three most recent European Tour results are 12-2-12, so his game has been in excellent order.

Li has been in dismal form since winning the Dubai Desert Classic in January and tinkering with his equipment.

Recommendation
A Johnston to win threeball
2pts 7-4 general

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