The BMW PGA Championship returns to Wentworth Club this September, offering golf fans a chance to see a star‑studded field compete for a lucrative purse and valuable Race to Dubai points. First staged in 1955, the tournament has become one of the DP World Tour's marquee events, distinct from the BMW Championship that caps the PGA Tour's FedExCup playoffs in the United States.
While the two share a sponsor, the BMW PGA Championship is firmly rooted in Surrey, England, and is played each year on the historic fairways of Wentworth. Defending champion Alex Noren will be back to protect his title after edging Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff at last year’s edition. Noren’s victory capped a week of high‑stakes golf at Wentworth, and he will be aiming to repeat his success in front of a lively British crowd. The club itself dates back to 1922 and has hosted some of the game's most memorable moments, including the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open, cementing its reputation as a premier venue for elite competition.
Among the headline names is two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who finished tied‑41st at the Amgen Irish Open earlier this season. Despite that modest result, McIlroy has expressed optimism about his form, noting specific aspects of his swing and short game that have given him confidence heading into Wentworth.
The world number two hopes to improve on his recent showing and add another prestigious trophy to his résumé. Former LIV Golf participant Patrick Reed is also in the mix.
Since leaving LIV at the start of the year, Reed has enjoyed a strong resurgence on the DP World Tour, currently leading the Race to Dubai Rankings after a tied‑second finish at the Irish Open. His presence adds another layer of intrigue, as he seeks to prove his decision to rejoin the traditional tour was the right one.
Shane Lowry, who last lifted the BMW PGA Championship in 2022, will be looking to add another title to his collection. Lowry recently posted a spectacular seven‑under‑63 to win the Irish Open by eleven strokes, a performance that demonstrates his capacity to dominate when his game clicks. Fans will be eager to see whether he can translate that momentum into another triumph at Wentworth. Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose round out the British contingent with strong credentials.
Fleetwood has recorded four top‑five finishes on the PGA Tour this season, highlighted by a tied‑fourth at The Open at Royal Birkdale. Rose, meanwhile, captured the Farmers Insurance Open and posted a tied‑third at The Masters, underscoring his continued relevance among the world’s elite. The tournament also features several LIV Golf players, most notably Spain’s Jon Rahm. Rahm secured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and was runner‑up at the PGA Championship in May, showing he can compete at the highest level across different formats.
His teammate from the Legion XIII squad, England’s Tyrrell Hatton, joins the field as well. Hatton has enjoyed a solid major season, tying for third at The Masters and finishing seventh at the US Open, though he missed the cut at the Irish Open and will be looking to rebound at Wentworth. Financial incentives are significant: the event boasts a £6.6 million (approximately $9 million) prize fund, with the champion slated to receive about £1.13 million (roughly $1.53 million), mirroring last year’s payout to Noren. As a Rolex Series event, the tournament also offers 8,000 Race to Dubai points, making it a critical stop for players chasing the season‑long title.
In addition to the main competition, Wentworth hosts a celebrity Pro‑Am on the Wednesday before the tournament proper. The Pro‑Am draws high‑profile athletes and entertainers, and this year’s roster includes former Chelsea stars John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler. Each professional leads a team of amateurs, creating a festive atmosphere that blends sport and showmanship.
Broadcast coverage will be extensive, with all four days of action streamed live on Sky Sports Golf. The first and second rounds kick off on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, at 8:30 a.m., followed by the third round on Saturday, September 19, at 9:00 a.m., and the final round on Sunday, September 20, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the event via NOW without a contract. In summary, the BMW PGA Championship promises a compelling mix of seasoned champions, rising stars, and former LIV Golf players, all vying for a substantial purse and valuable ranking points.
With the historic backdrop of Wentworth, the added excitement of a celebrity Pro‑Am, and comprehensive live coverage, the tournament is set to be a highlight of the DP World Tour calendar. Whether you are a fan of McIlroy’s quest for redemption, Rahm’s cross‑tour dominance, or simply enjoy watching top‑class golf in a storied setting, the week at Wentworth offers plenty of drama, skill, and entertainment to keep you hooked.