The BMW PGA Championship returns to Wentworth Club this September as one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour schedule, a tournament with a rich heritage that dates back to its inaugural edition in 1955. Although its name sounds similar to the BMW Championship on the U.S. PGA Tour, the two events are distinct; the BMW PGA Championship is held every year in Surrey, England, and serves as a highlight of the European circuit, while the BMW Championship is part of the FedExCup Playoffs in the United States.
Defending champion Alex Noren will be back to defend his title after clinching victory in a dramatic playoff against Adrien Saddier at last year’s event. Noren’s win added his name to a long list of golfers who have triumphed on the historic fairways of Wentworth, a club that first opened its doors in 1922 and has since hosted marquee competitions such as the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open.
Among the most talked‑about entrants is two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who is making a much‑anticipated return to the venue after a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open. McIlroy, currently ranked world number two, has expressed optimism about his form, noting that certain aspects of his swing are showing promising signs despite the recent setback. He will be looking to improve on his 2014 win at the same tournament, hoping to climb the leaderboard and add another major‑level title to his résumé. Another headline name is Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters winner who left LIV Golf earlier this year to rejoin the DP World Tour.
Reed arrives at Wentworth riding a wave of confidence after a strong tied‑second place at the Irish Open, and he currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings. His resurgence on the European stage adds another layer of intrigue to a field already stacked with talent. Shane Lowry, who captured the BMW PGA Championship in 2022, also enters the tournament with momentum after posting a spectacular seven‑under‑63 to dominate the Irish Open by 11 strokes. Lowry’s recent performance underscores his ability to deliver under pressure and makes him a serious contender for the title.
English hopefuls Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose round out the home‑grown talent. 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 prolific year that includes a victory at the Farmers Insurance Open and a tied‑third finish at The Masters, demonstrating his consistency across both sides of the Atlantic.
The tournament also features several LIV Golf representatives, most notably 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 also in the mix after a solid season that saw him finish tied‑third at The Masters and tied‑seventh at the U.S.
Open, although he missed the cut at the Irish Open. Financially, the event offers a lucrative £6.6 million ($9 million) prize pool, with last year’s champion Alex Noren pocketing £1.13 million ($1.53 million).
As a Rolex Series event, the championship also awards 8,000 Race to Dubai points, making it a critical stop for players chasing the season‑long title. Beyond the competition itself, Wentworth will host its annual Celebrity Pro‑Am on the Wednesday preceding the main tournament. The star‑studded lineup includes former Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, each paired with a professional golfer to form mixed teams.
The Pro‑Am provides fans with a unique blend of sport and entertainment, showcasing the personalities behind the athletes. Broadcast coverage will be extensive, with Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event airing live from the first round on Thursday, September 17, through to the final round on Sunday, September 20.
The first two rounds begin at 7:30 a.m., the third round at 9:00 a.m., and the championship round at 8:30 a.m., ensuring that viewers can follow every swing and putt in real time. In summary, the BMW PGA Championship promises a compelling mix of seasoned champions, rising stars, and international intrigue.
With a substantial purse, valuable ranking points, and the added excitement of a celebrity Pro‑Am, the tournament is set to capture the attention of golf fans worldwide. Whether you are a loyal follower of the DP World Tour or a casual observer, the week at Wentworth offers a showcase of elite golf, dramatic storylines, and the chance to see Rory McIlroy and other top players strive for redemption and glory. Tune in to Sky Sports or stream via NOW to experience the action live.