The BMW PGA Championship, one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, is set to unfold at the historic Wentworth Club in Surrey this September. First staged in 1955, the tournament has grown into a flagship event that attracts the world’s elite golfers and a host of celebrity participants.
It is distinct from the BMW Championship that forms part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup playoffs; the BMW PGA Championship remains a uniquely British affair, held each year on the lush fairways of Wentworth. Defending champion Alex Noren will line up to protect his title after clinching victory in a dramatic playoff against Adrien Saddier last season. Noren’s triumph added his name to a distinguished list of winners who have lifted the trophy on this storied course.
Wentworth itself opened its doors in 1922 and quickly earned a reputation as a premier venue, hosting the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open, among other high‑profile contests. Among the marquee names slated to tee off is two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy. The world No.
2, who captured the BMW PGA Championship in 2014, returns to Wentworth hoping to improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open. Despite a slip down the leaderboard, McIlroy has expressed optimism, noting that several aspects of his game have shown encouraging signs heading into this week’s competition. Former LIV Golf participant Patrick Reed has enjoyed a strong start to his DP World Tour campaign after departing the LIV circuit earlier in the year.
The 2018 Masters winner currently tops the Race to Dubai Rankings, buoyed by a impressive tied‑second place at the Amgen Irish Open. His form suggests he could be a serious contender for the title.
Shane Lowry, who last lifted the BMW PGA Championship trophy in 2022, entered the week riding the momentum of a spectacular seven‑under‑63 round that secured an 11‑stroke victory at the Irish Open. Lowry’s recent success positions him as another player to watch as the field gathers.
Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose also bring strong credentials. Fleetwood has logged four top‑five finishes on the PGA Tour this season, highlighted by a tied‑fourth at The Open at Royal Birkdale.
Rose, meanwhile, has enjoyed a resurgence, capturing the Farmers Insurance Open and finishing tied‑third at The Masters, indicating he is in fine form heading into Wentworth. The tournament will also feature several LIV Golf players, including Spain’s Jon Rahm, who secured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and posted a tied‑second finish at the PGA Championship in May. His teammate from the Legion XIII squad, Tyrrell Hatton, is another notable entrant; Hatton posted a tied‑third at The Masters and a tied‑seventh at the U.S. Open, though he missed the cut at the Irish Open and will be eager to rebound.
Financial stakes are high, with a £6.6 million (approximately $9 million) prize purse on the line. Last year’s champion, Noren, pocketed £1.13 million ($1.53 million) for his victory.
As a Rolex Series event, the tournament also offers a substantial 8,000 Race to Dubai points, making it a pivotal stop for players chasing the season‑ending honors. Beyond the competition, Wentworth hosts a star‑studded Pro‑Am each year, blending professional golfers with celebrities from sport and entertainment. This edition will see former Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard join ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, among others, in a day‑long showdown that precedes the main event.
Each professional leads a team of amateurs, providing a festive atmosphere and additional media attention. Broadcast coverage will be comprehensive, with Sky Sports Golf airing all four days live. 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, from 9 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 via NOW with no contract required.
In summary, the BMW PGA Championship promises a compelling mix of elite golf, substantial prize money, and celebrity allure. With McIlroy seeking to improve on his recent showing, Reed aiming to cement his DP World Tour resurgence, and a host of other top players in the field, the tournament is poised to deliver exciting golf and perhaps a surprise champion. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, keeping an eye on the leaderboard as the drama unfolds at Wentworth Club.