McIlroy Seeks Redemption at BMW PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy is getting another chance to beat Patrick Reed and match Colin Montgomerie's historical record after failing to win the $6 million 2026 Amgen Irish Open at Doonbeg. The World No. 2 was in contention for a title that would have given him seven Race to Dubai titles, but ultimately finished tied for 41st with a score of 1-under par.

McIlroy's mixed week included rounds of 69-69, but he struggled on moving day, making two double bogeys and finishing with a 74. He bounced back with a 67 on Sunday, but it wasn't enough to catch the leaders.

Now, McIlroy has his sights set on the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club from September 17-20, where he will face Reed again in a $9 million purse event. With a win, McIlroy would not only take the top spot in the Race to Dubai standings but also match Montgomerie's record of eight European Order of Merit/Race to Dubai titles.

Currently, Patrick Reed is No. 1 with 3,423.6 points from 17 events, while McIlroy has 2,583.9 points from just nine starts. The gap between them stands at 839 points, but McIlroy believes he can close it and surpass Montgomerie's record.

McIlroy has already spoken about how much this record means to him, saying 'It seems within touching distance now.' He also expressed his desire to become the most successful European in terms of Order of Merit and season-long race wins. Meanwhile, Montgomerie told Sky Sports that he would be happy if McIlroy broke his record: 'If there was one to do that and ever break my record, I would rather it be him.'