BMW PGA Championship 2024: Wentworth set to welcome another stellar DP World Tour field

A stellar field will assemble once again for the BMW PGA Championship.

The BMW PGA Championship is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the calendar and this year is no different for the flagship tournament on the DP World Tour.

Last year, all 12 of Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team arrived at Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship hoping to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the biennial competition in Rome against the Americans.

Despite New Zealander Ryan Fox walking away with the trophy after a thrilling one-stroke victory over Aaron Rai and Tyrrell Hatton, nine Europeans finished in the top 20, fuelling the flame that eventually led to a 16.5 – 11.5 triumph in the Eternal City.

The Ryder Cup is still a year away, but that won’t stop a host of players from taking their chance to shine in front of returning captain Donald, with the two-time winner of the tournament keeping a watchful eye at the Virginia Water course.

Before the action begins on Thursday, however, one of Scotland’s finest ever sporting icons is set to tee it up in the Pro-Am on Wednesday at Wentworth. Sir Andy Murray will partner one of the PGA Tour’s breakthrough players of the season Robert MacIntyre, with the Scottish duo destined to draw a sizeable following.

Murray retired from tennis at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a glittering career and is now honing his skills in a different sport. Aged just 37, the three-time Grand Slam winner has plenty of time on his hands to improve.

Where is the BMW PGA Championship being played?

The BMW PGA Championship has been played at Wentworth Club since 1984, with previous editions of the tournament being held across a variety of courses such as Royal Birkdale, Royal St George’s and Hillside. Wentworth is also home to the headquarters of the PGA European Tour.

Renowned as one of the best courses in the UK & Ireland, the par-72, 7,284-yard course held the Ryder Cup in 1953 before hosting the HSBC World Matchplay Championship from 1964 to 2007. The West course isn’t the longest – by modern-day standards anyway – yet it will prove to be a tough challenge for the field with trees and heather lining the fairways.

With two closing par-5s to finish, there are plenty of birdie chances, although water comes into play on the final hole. Depending on the pin location, players will have to weigh up laying up for a chance at birdie or the risk-reward strategy of taking the green on in two for a look at eagle.

What is the format of the BMW PGA Championship?

The format of the BMW PGA Championship is a standard strokeplay event played over 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes (two rounds). The player with the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament.

Who is in the field for the BMA PGA Championship?

Nine of the 12 victorious European Ryder Cup players from 2023 are in the field this week. Ludvig Aberg is missing due to injury, while LIV defectors Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton will be competiting in Dallas at the LIV Golf Team Championship season finale.

Former winners Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Billy Horschel, and Danny Willett will be looking to add a second title, while Ryan Fox is seeking to become the first person since Donald in 2012 to defend the title.

The full field for the BMA PGA Championship can be viewed here.

Who will win the BMW PGA Championship?

Selected odds (correct 16 Sep, 13.00):

Rory McIlroy 11/2

Tommy Fleetwood 10/1

Shane Lowry 12/1

Adam Scott 14/1

Billy Horschel 18/1

Aaron Rai 18/1

Robert MacIntyre 22/1

Rasmus Hojgaard 25/1

Matt Fitzpatrick 25/1

Sepp Straka 30/1

Justin Rose 33/1

How much will the winner of the BMW PGA Championship receive?

The prize money available at Wentworth is the biggest purse on the tour, outside of the upcoming playoffs and the Genesis Scottish Open. The $9m on offer is more in line with the regular purses competed for on the PGA Tour, yet only half that of the eight elevated Signature Events.

The winner will take home a cheque for $1.62m, 8,000 Race to Dubai Points, and 2,000 Ryder Cup points for their efforts.

Who has won the BMW PGA Championship?

How to watch the BMW PGA Championship

Viewers in the UK can watch the BMW PGA on Sky Sports Golf.

All times BST

Thursday, 19 September: Sky Sports Golf, 08.30

Friday, 20 September: Sky Sports Golf, 08.30

Saturday, 21 September: Sky Sports Golf, 08.30

Sunday, 22 September: Sky Sports Extra, 08.30

Viewers in the US can watch the BMW PGA on the Golf Channel.

All times EDT

Thursday, 19 September: Golf Channel, 07.00

Friday, 20 September: Golf Channel, 07.00

Saturday, 21 September: Golf Channel, 07.00

Sunday, 22 September: Golf Channel, 07.00

BMW PGA Championship: Tee times and groupings

Tee times are out – see times and groupings here for rounds one and two.

About the Author

Ross Kilvington – Contributing Golf News Writer

Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who currently writes previews for Today’s Golfer, covering events on the DP World, PGA, and LPGA tours along with the LIV Golf Series.

Ross holds a passionate interest in golf and tries to play as often as possible, although having two daughters under the age of 6 means his quest to break 80 will have to wait a little longer.

Despite first picking up a club aged 11, highlights are few and far between on the golf course.

An Eagle on the par-4 16th at Kinghorn is one that stands out (it doesn’t matter that it was only 290 yards).