The BMW PGA Championship stands as one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, a historic tournament that first rolled out its green in 1955. It should not be mixed up with the BMW Championship that forms part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs; the BMW PGA Championship is a distinct event held each September at the storied Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.
Wentworth, founded in 1922, is among the United Kingdom’s most celebrated golf venues. Over the decades it has hosted landmark competitions, from the 1953 Ryder Cup to the 1980 AIG Women’s Open, and it now serves as the annual home of the BMW PGA Championship. The defending champion this year is Alex Noren, who clinched the title in a dramatic playoff against Adrien Saddier at last year’s edition.
The field this week is packed with big‑name talent, including two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who is looking to improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open. Although McIlroy slipped down the leaderboard in that event, he expressed optimism about several aspects of his game and hopes to make a statement at Wentworth. Former LIV Golf players are also represented. Spanish star Jon Rahm, who captured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and posted a tied‑second finish at the PGA Championship in May, is in the mix.
His Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton, who recorded a tied‑third at The Masters and a top‑ten finish at the U.S. Open, will also compete, despite missing the cut at the Irish Open. American Patrick Reed, who left LIV Golf earlier in the year, has enjoyed a strong run on the DP World Tour. The 2018 Masters champion currently leads the Race to Dubai rankings after a tied‑second place at the Amgen Irish Open, positioning him as a serious contender.
Shane Lowry, the 2022 BMW PGA champion, entered the week after posting a spectacular seven‑under‑63 to win the Irish Open by 11 strokes. His recent form suggests he could be a threat once again at Wentworth. Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose add further depth to the roster. 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, captured the Farmers Insurance Open and posted a tied‑third at The Masters, underscoring his consistency. The tournament offers a substantial prize fund of £6.6 million (approximately $9 million).
Last year’s champion, Noren, pocketed £1.13 million ($1.53 million). As a Rolex Series event, the BMW PGA Championship also awards 8,000 Race to Dubai points, making it a crucial stop for players chasing the season‑long title. In addition to the main competition, Wentworth will host its annual Celebrity Pro‑Am on Wednesday, the day before the tournament proper.
The event traditionally draws a glittering mix of athletes and entertainers. This year’s 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 a team of amateurs. Broadcast coverage will be extensive.
Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event will air the first two rounds live from Thursday, 17 September, and Friday, 18 September, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The third round will be shown live on Saturday, 19 September, from 9:00 a.m., and the final round will kick off on Sunday, 20 September, at 8:30 a.m. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the action via NOW with no contract required.
Fans can also look forward to a series of highlight reels and video packages, including day‑two recaps, clutch shots such as Ryan Gerard’s two‑shot lead at the halfway mark, and dramatic moments like Tyrrell Hatton’s hole‑out on the 18th. These videos are best experienced using the Chrome browser for optimal playback.
Overall, the BMW PGA Championship promises a blend of historic prestige, elite competition, and substantial financial incentives. With a field that mixes seasoned major winners, rising stars, and former LIV Golf participants, the tournament is set to deliver compelling golf drama throughout the week. Whether you are rooting for McIlroy’s resurgence, Rahm’s continued dominance, or an underdog breakthrough, the event at Wentworth will be a highlight of the DP World Tour calendar.