The BMW PGA Championship is one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, a tournament steeped in history that first rolled out its first round back in 1955. It is distinct from the BMW Championship that forms part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs; the European event is held each September at the storied Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, and has become a hallmark of the British golfing calendar.
Wentworth itself is a venue of great pedigree. Established as a golf club in 1922, it has played host to several landmark competitions, most notably the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open. The club’s elegant courses and classic parkland setting make it a favorite among players and fans alike, and it provides a fitting backdrop for the BMW PGA Championship’s blend of tradition and modern competition.
Defending champion Alex Noren returns to defend his title after edging out Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff at last year’s event. Noren will be looking to repeat his success on a course he knows well, while the field this week is stacked with a mixture of established stars, rising talents, and a few high‑profile LIV Golf players. Two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy is one of the headline names. The world number two captured the BMW PGA Championship in 2014 and is back at Wentworth hoping to improve on his recent tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open.
McIlroy has said he feels "encouraged" by several aspects of his game heading into the tournament, and fans will be eager to see whether he can translate that optimism into a strong showing. Patrick Reed, who left LIV Golf at the start of the year, has enjoyed a productive season on the DP World Tour. The 2018 Masters winner currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings and arrives at Wentworth fresh from a tied‑second finish at the Amgen Irish Open, positioning him as a serious contender for the title.
Shane Lowry, the 2022 BMW PGA champion, is also in the mix. After posting a seven‑under‑63 to claim an 11‑stroke victory at the Irish Open, Lowry will be looking to add another prestigious win to his résumé.
Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose round out the British contingent. Fleetwood has recorded 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 solid year highlighted by a win at the Farmers Insurance Open and a tied‑third at the Masters. The LIV Golf presence is represented by Jon Rahm, who secured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and was also tied for second at the PGA Championship in May. His teammate from the Legion XIII squad, Tyrrell Hatton, joins the field after a mixed season that saw a tied‑third at The Masters and a tied‑seventh at the US Open, though he missed the cut at the Irish Open.
Financially, the tournament offers a lucrative £6.6 million (approximately $9 million) prize fund, with last year’s champion Noren pocketing £1.13 million (about $1.53 million). As a Rolex Series event, the BMW PGA Championship also awards 8,000 Race to Dubai points, making it a pivotal stop for players chasing the season‑long title. A celebrated tradition at Wentworth is the Celebrity Pro‑Am, which takes place on the Wednesday before the main competition.
This year’s lineup features former Chelsea stars John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, who will each team up with a professional to compete for a charitable cause while adding a touch of glamour to the proceedings. Broadcast coverage will be extensive, with all four days of action streamed live on Sky Sports Golf.
The first two rounds kick off on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, at 7:30 am, followed by the third round on Saturday, September 19, at 9:00 am, and the final round on Sunday, September 20, beginning at 8:30 am. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or opt for streaming via NOW with no contract required. In summary, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth promises a compelling blend of elite competition, historic setting, and generous prize money.
With a field that includes former major champions, rising tour stars, and a handful of LIV Golf players, the tournament is poised to deliver high‑quality golf and perhaps a surprise winner. Whether you are a fan of McIlroy’s quest for redemption, Reed’s pursuit of the Race to Dubai crown, or simply enjoy watching top‑class golf in a classic English venue, the event offers something for every golf enthusiast.
Tune in throughout the week to witness the drama unfold on one of the sport’s most revered stages.