BMW PGA Championship: Field, Format, and Prize Money as McIlroy Returns

The BMW PGA Championship, one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, is set to return to Wentworth Club this September, offering fans a full slate of top‑level golf, a hefty prize fund and a star‑studded celebrity Pro‑Am. First staged in 1955, the event has grown into a flagship tournament that should not be confused with the BMW Championship on the PGA Tour, which serves as the second playoff event in the FedExCup series.

While the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship travels to different venues each year, the BMW PGA Championship is firmly rooted in Surrey, England, where it has been played at the historic Wentworth Club since its inception. Wentworth itself is a venue steeped in history. Established as a golf club in 1922, it has hosted landmark competitions such as the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open.

Its West Course, with its rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers, provides a challenging yet fair test for the world’s best players. The defending champion, Alex Noren, will be back to defend his title after edging out Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff at last year’s tournament. Noren’s victory marked his first win on the DP World Tour and earned him a £1.13 million cheque, a substantial portion of the total £6.6 million purse on offer this year. Among the marquee names slated to tee off at Wentworth is two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

The world No. 2 captured the BMW PGA Championship back in 2014 and returns this week eager to improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open.

McIlroy has hinted that he feels encouraged by several aspects of his game heading into the event, and he will be looking to re‑establish himself as a serious contender in the Rolex Series. His recent form includes a solid opening round of 69, a front‑nine birdie at the 10th hole and a series of highlights that have already been featured across Sky Sports’ coverage.

Another headline player is Patrick Reed, who has enjoyed a resurgence since departing LIV Golf earlier this season. The 2018 Masters champion currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings after a strong tied‑second finish at the Irish Open.

Reed’s presence adds depth to a field that also includes recent winners and rising stars. Shane Lowry, who last lifted the BMW PGA trophy in 2022, will be looking to build on his seven‑under‑63 performance at the Irish Open, where he won by an astonishing eleven strokes.

Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose round out the British contingent. Fleetwood has compiled four top‑five finishes on the PGA Tour this season, highlighted by a tied‑fourth place at The Open at Royal Birkdale. Rose, meanwhile, has enjoyed a banner year, capturing the Farmers Insurance Open and posting a tied‑third at the Masters.

Both players possess the experience and skill to make a late‑round surge at Wentworth. The tournament also features several LIV Golf alumni, most notably Jon Rahm. The Spaniard secured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and posted a tied‑second finish at the PGA Championship in May, underscoring his continued relevance on the global stage. His teammate from Legion XIII, Tyrrell Hatton, is also in the mix after a mixed season that saw him tie for third at The Masters and seventh at the U.S.

Open, though he missed the cut at the Irish Open. Financially, the event is a lucrative proposition.

In addition to the £6.6 million (approximately $9 million) purse, the winner will claim 8,000 Race to Dubai points, a significant boost toward the season‑ending Dubai World Championship. The prize distribution follows the standard Rolex Series format, with the champion receiving roughly £1.13 million, and descending payouts for the rest of the field.

A unique feature of the BMW PGA Championship is its celebrity Pro‑Am, held on the Wednesday preceding the main competition. This year’s lineup 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 offers a relaxed atmosphere where amateurs and stars from sport and entertainment mingle, providing fans with a glimpse of their favorite athletes off the course. Broadcast coverage will be extensive.

Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event will air live coverage of the first two rounds on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, starting at 7:30 am. The third round will be shown live from 9 am on Saturday, September 19, while the final round will kick off at 8:30 am on Sunday, September 20.

For viewers without a Sky subscription, NOW offers a contract‑free streaming option, and Sky frequently runs promotional deals for new customers. In summary, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth promises a compelling mix of elite competition, substantial prize money, and engaging side events.

With past champions, major winners and LIV Golf representatives all vying for the title, the tournament is poised to deliver drama from the first tee to the final putt. Whether you are a die‑hard golf fan or a casual viewer, the week’s action will be available live on Sky Sports, ensuring you won’t miss a single swing, birdie or surprise upset as the world’s best converge on one of England’s most storied courses.