The BMW PGA Championship, one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, returns to its historic home at Wentworth Club in Surrey for another September showdown. First staged in 1955, the event has grown into a cornerstone of the European golf calendar, distinct from the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship that caps the FedExCup Playoffs. Wentworth, a storied venue opened in 1922, has previously hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup, the 1980 AIG Women’s Open and countless other elite competitions, making it a fitting backdrop for this week’s drama. Defending champion Alex Noren is back to defend his title after edging Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff last year.
Noren will be looking to replicate his success on a course that rewards precision and strategic play. The field is stacked with major winners, rising stars and a contingent of LIV Golf players, promising a compelling mix of experience and fresh talent.
Two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy, currently ranked world number two, is among the headline attractions. McIlroy captured the BMW PGA in 2014 and returns hoping to improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open.
While his recent results have been mixed, he has expressed optimism about specific aspects of his game, suggesting that a strong showing at Wentworth could signal a resurgence. Former LIV Golf member and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed has enjoyed a productive season since his departure from the LIV circuit earlier this year. Reed leads the Race to Dubai Rankings after a solid tied‑second finish at the Irish Open, and he will be eager to add a Rolex Series title to his résumé.
Shane Lowry, the 2022 BMW PGA champion, is another player to watch. Lowry recently posted a spectacular seven‑under‑63 at the Irish Open, winning by eleven strokes, and will be looking to translate that form into another triumph at Wentworth. Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose also feature prominently. Fleetwood has accumulated four top‑five finishes on the PGA Tour this season, including a tied‑fourth at The Open at Royal Birkdale, while Rose has enjoyed a banner year highlighted by a victory at the Farmers Insurance Open and a tied‑third at The Masters.
LIV Golf’s presence is felt through Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Rahm, who secured his third consecutive LIV Individual Championship in August and finished tied for second at the PGA Championship in May, adds depth to the field. Hatton, a teammate on the Legion XIII squad, has posted strong major results—tied‑third at The Masters and tied‑seventh at the US Open—though he missed the cut at the Irish Open.
The prize purse for this week’s event stands at £6.6 million (approximately $9 million), with the winner slated to receive £1.13 million (about $1.53 million) as last year’s champion did. As a Rolex Series tournament, the event also offers 8,000 Race to Dubai points, making it a crucial stop for players chasing the season‑long title.
In addition to the main competition, Wentworth will host its annual celebrity Pro‑Am on Wednesday, the day before the tournament proper. The star‑studded line‑up includes former Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, each paired with a touring professional. The Pro‑Am adds a festive atmosphere and offers fans a glimpse of athletes from other sports taking swings at the world‑class course. Sky Sports Golf will broadcast every round live.
Coverage begins with the first and second rounds on Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18, from 8:30 am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. The third round airs on Saturday, September 19, from 9 am, and the final round concludes the tournament on Sunday, September 20, with a start at 8:30 am. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the action via NOW with no contract required.
Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about who will lift the trophy this year. With a field that blends seasoned champions, hungry newcomers, and a handful of LIV Golf representatives, the competition promises high‑stakes drama, strategic brilliance, and the occasional surprise. Whether you are a dedicated follower of the DP World Tour or a casual observer looking for top‑level golf, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth offers a compelling narrative that will unfold over four days of intense play.
Stay tuned, follow the live coverage, and enjoy the excitement of one of Europe’s most prestigious golf events.