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 concludes the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs; the two events are distinct, with the BMW PGA Championship taking place each September at the iconic Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.
Wentworth, a venue renowned for its elegance and challenging layout, first opened its doors in 1922. Over the decades it has hosted a host of marquee competitions, including the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open. The club’s storied fairways and meticulously maintained greens make it a fitting stage for a Rolex Series event that draws the world’s best golfers. Defending champion Alex Noren will return to defend his title after edging out Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff at last year’s championship.
Noren’s victory marked a significant achievement, and he will be looking to repeat his success on a course that has rewarded precision and composure for decades. Among the marquee names set to tee off at Wentworth is two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy. The world No.
2, who lifted the BMW PGA Championship trophy in 2014, is hoping to improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open earlier this season. Although his recent round was not his best, McIlroy expressed optimism, noting that several aspects of his game were showing promising signs as he heads into the tournament.
Former LIV Golf player Patrick Reed, who left the breakaway circuit at the start of the year, has enjoyed a strong resurgence on the DP World Tour. The 2018 Masters winner currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings after a solid tied‑second finish at the Irish Open, and he will be eager to add another high‑profile victory to his résumé. Shane Lowry, the 2022 BMW PGA champion, entered the week fresh from a spectacular seven‑under‑63 round that secured an 11‑stroke triumph at the Irish Open.
His recent form suggests he could be a serious contender once again at Wentworth. English hopefuls Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose also have the potential to make a splash. 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 productive year, capturing the Farmers Insurance Open and finishing tied‑third at The Masters. The field includes several LIV Golf representatives, most notably Jon Rahm. The Spaniard claimed 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 compatriot Tyrrell Hatton, a member of the Legion XIII team, also appears in the lineup. Hatton has posted strong major results this year, including a tied‑third at The Masters and a tied‑seventh at the US Open, although he missed the cut at the Irish Open. The prize fund for this year’s event is a substantial £6.6 million (approximately $9 million).
Last year’s champion, Noren, pocketed £1.13 million (about $1.53 million). As a Rolex Series tournament, the event also offers 8,000 Race to Dubai points, a significant boost for players chasing the season‑long title. In addition to the main competition, Wentworth will host its traditional celebrity Pro‑Am on the Wednesday preceding the tournament. The event typically draws a glittering mix of sports stars and entertainment personalities.
This year’s roster includes former Chelsea footballers John Terry and Eden Hazard, as well as ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, each paired with a professional golfer to form a team of amateurs. Sky Sports Golf will broadcast every round of the championship live. Coverage kicks off with the first and second rounds on Thursday, 17 September, and Friday, 18 September, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
on both Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. The third round will be shown from 9 a.m. on Saturday, 19 September, while the final round will commence at 8:30 a.m.
on Sunday, 20 September. Fans without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the action without a contract via NOW. Whether you are tracking the leaderboard, following the celebrity Pro‑Am, or simply enjoying the drama of a world‑class field converging on Wentworth, the BMW PGA Championship promises a week of high‑quality golf, compelling storylines, and the chance to witness another chapter in the tournament’s illustrious history.