2023 BMW PGA Championship: Ryder Cup participants Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton in the mix after Round 1

Viktor Hovland is also lurking after shooting 3 under in the first round

Eleven of the 12 European Ryder Cup participants playing in this week's BMW PGA Championship shot par or better on Day 1 at Wentworth, but it was Matt Fitzpatrick (-6), Ludvig Aberg (-4) and Tyrrell Hatton (-4) who led the way for a team that will square off against the United States in Rome in the 44th edition of the team event later this month.

Aberg is surely feeling himself after being named to the team two weeks ago and opening with 68 to fall into T12, four back of leader Marcus Helligkilde. But it's probably Fitzpatrick and Hatton who will matter more to the European side in Rome.

Hatton needed a good showing following his unexpected missed cut last week at the Irish Open. He put together a nearly-clean card with five birdies and a bogey and is now poised for his first top 10 since the Scottish Open in July.