Rory McIlroy breaks record that won't be allowed to stand

Rory McIlroy produced a breathtaking round at Wentworth on Wednesday, only to be denied a place in the record books because of a golf technicality.

The six-time major champion shot a remarkable 12-under-par 60 during the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am, recording the lowest known score in the famous Surrey course’s history.

Yet McIlroy’s sensational effort will not be officially recognised because it came outside the competitive rounds of a professional tournament.

The Northern Irishman arrived at Wentworth preparing to challenge for the DP World Tour’s flagship title but immediately issued an ominous warning to his rivals with a flawless display.

McIlroy registered an eagle and 10 birdies without dropping a single shot during his round on the par-72 West Course.

After making his first birdie at the third, the reigning Masters champion eagled the par-five fourth before embarking on an extraordinary sequence of eight consecutive birdies.

He completed his round with five pars and one final birdie to sign for a stunning 60.

Had the score been achieved during the BMW PGA Championship itself, McIlroy would have shattered Wentworth’s official course record by two shots.

The recognised record currently stands at 62 and is shared by Robert Karlsson, Thomas Bjorn and Alex Noren.

Karlsson became the first player to reach that mark in 2010, with Bjorn matching his achievement four years later. Noren then joined them in 2017.

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However, governing bodies do not recognise scores recorded in Pro-Am competitions as official course records because those events can operate under more relaxed conditions.

Players may occasionally be permitted to improve the position of their ball, while short putts can sometimes be conceded rather than completed.

Official records must therefore be set during a recognised round of professional tournament competition under the sport’s full rules.

Despite missing out on a slice of Wentworth history, McIlroy’s remarkable performance proved more than enough to guide his team to victory in the Morning Pro-Am by seven shots.

The 37-year-old played alongside former England cricketer Stuart Broad, Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek and ex-Formula One technician Calum Nicholas.

They were among numerous sporting celebrities involved, with Gareth Bale, John Terry and Eden Hazard also taking to the prestigious course.

McIlroy’s 60 was comfortably better than any score he has officially posted across his 14 previous appearances at the BMW PGA Championship.

His competitive best at Wentworth is 65, a total he has recorded on four occasions.

The score would also have represented a new personal low on the DP World Tour. McIlroy’s official record is 62, which he most recently achieved at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship.

McIlroy will now attempt to carry his dazzling Pro-Am form into Thursday’s opening round.

He faces a high-quality field containing Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, along with close friend Shane Lowry, who arrives at Wentworth fresh from his Irish Open triumph.