BMW PGA Championship: Which big names are in danger of missing the cut?

The BMW PGA Championship continues on Friday but could be without some big names this weekend. 

European Ryder Cup team member Ludvig Aberg raced to the top of the leaderboard on day one with a sublime 64. 

Frenchman Tom Vaillant joined the Swede on the same score and there are several big names breathing down their necks at Wentworth. 

Matthew Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose, playing in his 20th BMW PGA Championship, were also among those to start the $9m Rolex Series event well. 

The marquee group of Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry endured mixed fortunes - but all three should safely make the cut. 

McIlroy dropped a shot up the last but carded a 69. Lowry finished with a flourish to post 67, whilst Rahm cut a frustrated figure but ultimately got around the West Course in 71 strokes. 

At the other end of the leaderboard, some big names will be departing after only 36 holes unless they can find some birdies tomorrow. 

Let's take a look...

Joaquin Niemann

First round score: 72

Made the turn in 39 strokes, but rallied on the back nine and finished eagle-birdie to card a level par 72. 

Tommy Fleetwood

First round score: 73

Not what the Englishman wanted given how scorable the conditions were on day one. 

Billy Horschel

First round score: 73

The defending champion is playing his first professional golf tournament since undergoing surgery on his right hip in May. 

Brooks Koepka

First round score: 75

The struggles of the five-time major champion continue. 

Rasmus Hojgaard

First round score: 74

An unlikely eagle up the last turned a dreadful day into an average one for the European Ryder Cup rookie.