The BMW PGA Championship stands as one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, and this week’s edition at Wentworth Club promises a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and celebrity participants. First staged in 1955, the tournament has grown into a cornerstone of the European golf calendar, distinct from the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship that caps the FedExCup Playoffs.
Every September, Wentworth—an iconic venue in Surrey, England—opens its historic fairways for a week of high‑stakes competition, and this year the stakes are especially high. Defending champion Alex Noren returns to protect his title after clinching victory in a dramatic playoff against Adrien Saddier last season.
Noren’s win added a £1.13 million check to his résumé, and he will be looking to repeat his performance on a course he now knows well. Wentworth itself boasts a rich heritage; founded in 1922, it has hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup, the 1980 AIG Women’s Open, and countless other elite events.
Its challenging layout, with undulating greens and strategic bunkering, tests every facet of a golfer’s skill set. Among the headline names, two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy heads to Wentworth with a clear objective: improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open and add another Rolex Series trophy to his collection. McIlroy, who captured the BMW PGA title in 2014, described his recent form as "encouraging" despite the disappointing finish in Ireland.
He will be eager to translate that optimism into birdies on the demanding West Course. Another top contender is Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion who switched from LIV Golf back to the DP World Tour earlier this year. Reed currently leads the Race to Dubai rankings after a strong tied‑second performance at the Irish Open. His aggressive style and experience in pressure situations make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the field.
Shane Lowry, the 2022 BMW PGA champion, also returns with confidence after a spectacular seven‑under‑63 round that earned him an 11‑stroke victory at the Irish Open. Lowry’s recent form suggests he could be a serious threat to reclaim the Wentworth crown. Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose add depth to the British contingent. 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 resurgence, capturing the Farmers Insurance Open and finishing tied‑third at The Masters. Both players possess the composure and shot‑making ability required to navigate Wentworth’s tricky finishing holes. The field also includes several LIV Golf representatives, underscoring the tournament’s inclusive nature.
Spanish star Jon Rahm, who secured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and tied for second at the PGA Championship in May, will be looking to showcase his talent on a traditional tour stage. His teammate from the Legion XIII squad, Tyrrell Hatton, arrives after a mixed weekend—tied‑third at The Masters and tied‑seventh at the US Open, but missing the cut at the Irish Open. Hatton’s powerful ball‑striking could prove decisive on Wentworth’s longer holes.
Financial incentives are substantial. The event offers a £6.6 million prize purse, with the winner pocketing a seven‑figure sum. As a Rolex Series event, eight thousand Race to Dubai points are also on the line, making the championship a pivotal moment in the season-long race for the coveted Dubai title.
Beyond the competition, Wentworth will host its annual celebrity Pro‑Am on Wednesday, the day before the tournament proper begins. This fan‑friendly showcase brings together sports legends and entertainment figures, with former Chelsea stars John Terry and Eden Hazard and ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler confirmed to participate. Each professional will lead a team of amateurs, providing a relaxed yet competitive atmosphere that adds a festive flair to the week. Television coverage will be comprehensive, with Sky Sports Golf broadcasting all four days live.
The first and second 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 stream the action via NOW without a contract. In summary, the 2026 BMW PGA Championship promises a compelling mix of elite talent, historic venue, and generous rewards. Whether you are rooting for McIlroy’s comeback, Reed’s bid to dominate the Race to Dubai, or a surprise surge from a lesser‑known contender, the tournament offers plenty of drama.
Tune in throughout the week to witness world‑class golf, unforgettable moments, and perhaps the crowning of a new champion at Wentworth Club.