The BMW PGA Championship is set to be one of the marquee stops on the DP World Tour this September, and fans are already buzzing about the lineup, the format, and the sizeable prize fund on offer at Wentworth Club. First staged in 1955, the event has grown into a cornerstone of the European golf calendar, distinct from the BMW Championship that concludes the PGA Tour's FedExCup Playoffs in the United States. While the two share a sponsor, the BMW PGA Championship is a uniquely British affair, held each year on the historic fairways of Wentworth in Surrey. Defending champion Alex Noren will be back to protect his title after clinching victory in a dramatic playoff against Adrien Saddier last season.
Noren’s win added his name to a storied list of past champions and earned him a winner's share of roughly £1.13 million (about $1.53 million). This year the tournament will again feature a £6.6 million ($9 million) purse, with the victor taking home a substantial chunk of that sum and 8,000 Race to Dubai points, reflecting the event’s status as a Rolex Series competition.
Wentworth Club, the venue, is steeped in golfing heritage. Established in 1922, the course has hosted historic contests such as the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open. Its tree‑lined fairways and challenging bunkers provide a stern test for the world’s best players, and the club’s reputation for elegance adds a touch of prestige to the proceedings. Among the headline names, two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy will be looking to improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open earlier in the season.
McIlroy, who previously won the BMW PGA Championship in 2014, said he feels “encouraged” by certain aspects of his game and hopes to translate that confidence into a strong performance at Wentworth. His presence adds a compelling storyline, especially as he seeks to climb back up the European Tour rankings.
Former LIV Golf participant Patrick Reed is another player to watch. Since leaving LIV at the start of the year, Reed has enjoyed a resurgence on the DP World Tour, currently leading the Race to Dubai Rankings after a solid tied‑second finish at the Irish Open.
His form suggests he could be a serious contender for the title. English stars Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose also bring experience and recent success. 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 captured the Farmers Insurance Open and posted a tied‑third at The Masters, indicating that both are in fine shape heading into September. The field includes several LIV Golf players, most notably Jon Rahm, who secured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and finished tied for second at the PGA Championship in May.
His teammate from the Legion XIII squad, Tyrrell Hatton, is also in the mix after a strong major season that saw him finish tied‑third at The Masters and tied‑seventh at the U.S. Open, despite missing the cut at the Irish Open. Shane Lowry, the 2022 BMW PGA champion, will be trying to add another win to his résumé after posting a spectacular seven‑under‑63 to claim an 11‑shot victory at the Irish Open. His recent form makes him a dark horse in the competition.
Beyond the professional competition, Wentworth will host its annual Celebrity Pro‑Am on Wednesday, the day before the main tournament begins. The event traditionally pairs a touring professional with a team of amateurs drawn from the worlds of sport and entertainment. This year, former Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard, along with ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, have been confirmed as participants, promising a lively and star‑studded atmosphere. Broadcast coverage will be extensive.
Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event will air live coverage of all four days. The first two rounds kick off on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, beginning at 7:30 a.m. UK time. The third round will be shown live from 9:00 a.m.
on Saturday, September 19, and the final round will start at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 20. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the event via NOW with no contract required.
In summary, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth promises a blend of historic charm, a deep field featuring major champions, rising stars, and former LIV Golf players, and a lucrative prize purse that will attract fierce competition. Whether you are rooting for McIlroy’s comeback, Noren’s title defence, or hoping an underdog like Lowry can repeat his 2022 triumph, the tournament offers plenty of drama and high‑quality golf.
Tune in throughout the week to witness the action unfold live on Sky Sports, and keep an eye on the leaderboard as the race for the Rolex Series title and the coveted Race to Dubai points intensifies.