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 BMW PGA is a distinct event held each September at the storied Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.
Wentworth, founded in 1922, has a rich pedigree, having hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open, among other high‑profile competitions. Defending champion Alex Noren returns to defend his title after clinching last year’s trophy in a dramatic playoff against Adrien Saddier. Noren will be looking to repeat his success on a course that rewards both precision and strategic thinking.
The tournament’s field this year is a blend of established stars, rising talents, and a handful of LIV Golf players, creating a compelling narrative for fans. Among the marquee names, two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy is set to tee off at Wentworth.
McIlroy, who captured the BMW PGA Championship in 2014, is hoping to improve on a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open earlier in the season. Despite a slip down the leaderboard at the Irish Open, McIlroy expressed optimism, noting that several aspects of his game were showing positive signs as he heads into this week’s event. Former LIV Golf participant Patrick Reed has enjoyed a strong run on the DP World Tour since his departure from LIV earlier in the year.
The 2018 Masters winner currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings and arrived at Wentworth fresh from an impressive tied‑second finish at the Amgen Irish Open, positioning him as a serious contender. Shane Lowry, who last won the BMW PGA Championship in 2022, entered the Irish Open with a spectacular seven‑under‑par 63, securing an 11‑shot victory. Although his recent triumph was on a different course, his confidence will be a factor as he seeks another strong showing at Wentworth.
English hopefuls Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose also feature prominently. Fleetwood has logged four top‑five finishes on the PGA Tour this season, highlighted by a tied‑fourth place at The Open at Royal Birkdale.
Rose, meanwhile, has enjoyed a productive year, capturing the Farmers Insurance Open and posting a tied‑third finish at The Masters, underscoring his capacity to contend in any major. LIV Golf representation includes Spain’s 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 solid season that saw him finish tied‑third at The Masters and tied‑seventh at the US Open, despite missing the cut at the Irish Open. The prize purse for this week’s event totals £6.6 million (approximately $9 million), with last year’s champion Noren pocketing £1.13 million ($1.53 million).
As a Rolex Series tournament, the event also offers a substantial 8,000 Race to Dubai points, making it a pivotal 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 Pro‑Am traditionally attracts high‑profile athletes and entertainers, and 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 lead their squads. Broadcast coverage will be comprehensive, with all four days of action airing live on Sky Sports Golf.
The first and second rounds commence on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, beginning at 7:30 am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. The third round will be shown from 9 am on Saturday, September 19, while the final round will kick off at 8:30 am on Sunday, September 20. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the tournament via NOW without a contract. Fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious at this iconic event.
With a field that blends seasoned champions, emerging talents, and a few LIV Golf entrants, the competition promises drama, skill, and memorable moments. Whether you are rooting for McIlroy’s quest for redemption, Reed’s bid to extend his lead in the Race to Dubai, or any of the other high‑profile participants, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth offers a week of world‑class golf that is not to be missed.