The BMW PGA Championship, one of the premier stops on the DP World Tour, returns to the historic Wentworth Club for another September showdown. First staged in 1955, the event has become a cornerstone of the European swing, distinct from the similarly named BMW Championship that caps the PGA Tour's FedExCup playoffs in the United States. Wentworth, a venue steeped in golfing heritage since its opening in 1922, has previously hosted landmark contests such as the 1953 Ryder Cup and the 1980 AIG Women’s Open, underscoring its status as a fitting stage for this week’s drama. Defending champion Alex Noren will be back to defend his title after clinching victory in a sudden‑death playoff against Adrien Saddier at last year’s edition.
Noren’s triumph earned him a £1.13 million winner’s share, and he will be looking to repeat that success as the £6.6 million purse is contested by a deep field of world‑class talent. Among the marquee names, two‑time Masters champion Rory McIlroy heads to Wentworth with a point to prove. The world No.
2, who lifted the BMW PGA Championship trophy in 2014, entered the tournament after a modest tied‑41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open. Despite the slip, McIlroy has expressed optimism, noting several encouraging aspects of his recent play and hoping to rebound with a strong showing. Former LIV Golf participant Patrick Reed, who departed the breakaway circuit earlier in the year, is enjoying a resurgence on the DP World Tour. The 2018 Masters winner currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings, buoyed by a tied‑second finish at the Irish Open, and will be eager to add another high‑profile result to his résumé.
Shane Lowry, the 2022 BMW PGA champion, arrived at Wentworth after an impressive seven‑under‑63 round secured an 11‑shot victory at the Irish Open. His recent form positions him as a serious contender, especially given his proven ability to dominate on British soil. 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 at The Open at Royal Birkdale. Rose, meanwhile, has enjoyed a banner year, capturing the Farmers Insurance Open and posting a tied‑third at the Masters, indicating he remains in contention for the title. The LIV contingent is represented by Jon Rahm and his teammate Tyrrell Hatton. Rahm, fresh from a third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship win in August and a tied‑second at the PGA Championship in May, brings a blend of experience and confidence.
Hatton, who recorded a tied‑third at The Masters and a tied‑seventh at the U.S. Open, missed the cut at the Irish Open but will aim to bounce back at Wentworth. 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 sports and entertainment figures. This year’s lineup includes former Chelsea icons John Terry and Eden Hazard, alongside ex‑Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, each paired with a touring professional to vie for the pro‑am trophy. The BMW PGA Championship is a Rolex Series event, meaning that 8,000 Race to Dubai points are on offer alongside the substantial financial reward.
All four rounds will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with the opening round kicking off at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, followed by the second round on Friday, September 18. The third round will be shown from 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, and the final round will commence at 8:30 a.m.
on Sunday, September 20. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the action via NOW without a contract.
Fans can also follow live leaderboards covering the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, LIV Golf, DP World Tour, Ladies European Tour, and the major championships, ensuring they stay up‑to‑date with every swing, birdie, and dramatic moment. Highlights to watch for include Tyrrell Hatton’s near‑albatross attempt, Ryan Gerard’s two‑shot lead at the halfway point, and any clutch putts or bunker saves that could turn the tide. With a field that blends seasoned major winners, rising stars, and former LIV players, the 2024 BMW PGA Championship promises a compelling mix of skill, strategy, and spectacle.
Whether you are tracking the race for the Race to Dubai crown, hoping to see McIlroy chase down the leaders, or simply enjoying the celebrity antics in the pro‑am, the tournament offers a week of high‑octane golf that will be remembered long after the final putt drops.