The BMW PGA Championship stands as one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, a tournament steeped in history since its inaugural edition in 1955. It should not be confused with the BMW Championship that crowns the FedExCup Playoffs on the U.S. PGA Tour; the BMW PGA is a distinct, September‑scheduled event held each year at the storied Wentworth Club in Surrey, England. Wentworth, founded in 1922, has long been regarded as one of England's most prestigious golf venues.
Its fairways have witnessed historic moments, from hosting the 1953 Ryder Cup to the 1980 AIG Women’s Open. The club’s classic parkland layout, with its rolling terrain and challenging water hazards, provides a demanding test for the world’s best golfers.
Defending champion Alex Noren returns to protect his title after edging out Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff at last year’s championship. Noren will be looking to repeat his success on a course that favors precision and strategic play.
The field this week is deep and varied, featuring a mix of established stars, rising talents, and a handful of LIV Golf players who have re‑joined the DP World Tour circuit. Two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy headlines the roster. McIlroy, who captured the BMW PGA in 2014, is back at Wentworth after a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open.
Although his recent result was below his lofty standards, he expressed optimism, noting that several aspects of his game have shown improvement and that he feels “encouraged” heading into the tournament. Fans will be eager to see whether he can rediscover the form that once made him a dominant force on the European Tour. Former LIV Golf player Patrick Reed has also made a strong statement since his departure from the breakaway circuit earlier this year.
The 2018 Masters champion currently leads the Race to Dubai rankings, buoyed by a impressive tied‑second finish at the Amgen Irish Open. Reed’s resurgence adds another layer of intrigue, as he seeks to convert his recent momentum into a victory at Wentworth.
Shane Lowry, who last won the BMW PGA in 2022, entered the week on the back of a spectacular seven‑under‑63 round that earned him an eleven‑stroke triumph at the Amgen Irish Open. Lowry’s recent form suggests he will be a serious contender, especially given his familiarity with the course’s nuances.
English favorites Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose also have strong credentials. Fleetwood has logged four top‑five finishes on the PGA Tour this season, including a tied‑fourth at The Open at Royal Birkdale, while Rose boasts a win at the Farmers Insurance Open and a tied‑third at The Masters. Both players possess the experience and skill set required to contend on a demanding course like Wentworth. Among the LIV Golf contingent, Spanish star Jon Rahm stands out.
Rahm 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 Legion XIII, Tyrrell Hatton, also joins the field after a mixed season that saw him tied‑third at The Masters and tied‑seventh at the U.S.
Open, though he missed the cut at the Amgen Irish Open. Their presence highlights the growing integration of LIV Golf talent into the DP World Tour’s flagship events. The tournament offers a substantial financial incentive: a £6.6 million (approximately $9 million) prize purse, with the 2023 champion Noren pocketing £1.13 million (about $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.
In addition to the main competition, Wentworth hosts a celebrity Pro‑Am on the Wednesday preceding the tournament. This star‑studded affair blends professional golfers with notable personalities from sport and entertainment.
This year’s lineup includes former Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, each partnering with a touring professional to vie for the Pro‑Am trophy. Broadcast coverage will be extensive. Sky Sports Golf, along with Sky Sports Main Event, will air all four days live. The first two rounds kick off on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, at 7:30 a.m., followed by the third round on Saturday, September 19, from 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 action via NOW without a contract. Overall, the BMW PGA Championship promises a compelling blend of high‑stakes competition, historic venue, and a field that mixes seasoned veterans with emerging talent. Whether McIlroy can recapture his past glory, Noren can defend his crown, or a new challenger will rise, the tournament offers a week of elite golf that will be closely watched by fans worldwide.