After play was suspended on Thursday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II Oliver Bekker was the leading South African player in the first round of the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Bekker carded a three-under-par 69 after he started his round with a bogey on the first. After that, he picked up two birdies on each nine to be in a share of 25th when play was suspended. He was five shots off the lead which was shared by England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Andy Sullivan, and Norway’s Viktor Hovland.
In a statement, the DP World Tour said: “Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast.
“Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed.
“Further updates on the resumption of play will be provided in due course.”
Daniel van Tonder was also on three-under, and he was one of the players still to complete his first round, having completed 14 holes.
Also out on the course, and through 13 holes, were George Coetzee and Justin Harding, both on two-under.
Shaun Norris and Branden Grace had finished up, and the LIV Golf pair were on one-under. Richard Sterne was also done and carded a level-par 72.
Dean Burmester and Justin Walters were finished on one-over, as was Thriston Lawrence on two-over. Also on two-over, through 12, was Darren Fichardt. Brandon Stone was on three-over through 16, and Garrick Higgo on six-over through 15.
