What Is the BMW PGA Championship?
The BMW PGA Championship is the flagship event of the DP World Tour and one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Europe. Held annually at Wentworth Club’s West Course in Virginia Water, Surrey, the 2026 edition takes place from 17 to 20 September. As a Rolex Series event, it carries an elevated prize fund and attracts a world-class field that regularly includes major champions and Ryder Cup players.
Often described as the European Tour’s unofficial fifth major, the BMW PGA Championship holds a special place in the professional golf calendar. Its position in the autumn schedule and its proximity to the Ryder Cup qualification deadline make it one of the most strategically important tournaments of the season.
When Is the BMW PGA Championship 2026?
The tournament runs from Thursday 17 September to Sunday 20 September 2026. Practice rounds and pro-am events take place earlier in the week, with the first competitive round beginning on Thursday morning.
Where Is It Played?
Wentworth Club’s West Course has been the permanent home of the BMW PGA Championship since 1984. Located in Virginia Water, Surrey, around 30 miles south-west of central London, the par-72 layout stretches over 7,300 yards through mature woodland. The course underwent a significant renovation in 2010, with every green rebuilt to modern specifications. Wentworth’s iconic closing stretch, particularly the par-5 17th and par-5 18th, regularly produces dramatic finishes.
Key Contenders
The BMW PGA Championship typically attracts the strongest field on the DP World Tour. Rory McIlroy has won the event twice and is a perennial contender at Wentworth. Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, and Matt Fitzpatrick are among the European stars expected to feature prominently. Previous champions Billy Horschel and Ryan Fox will look to recapture their Wentworth form.
Rising talents from the DP World Tour and LIV Golf crossover players may also feature, depending on eligibility rules in place for the 2026 season. The tournament’s status as the tour’s premier event ensures the field is as deep as any outside the four majors.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the BMW PGA Championship is broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf. Coverage begins with the first round on Thursday and runs through Sunday’s final round. International viewers can follow the action through the DP World Tour’s broadcast partners, with coverage available in over 150 territories worldwide.
History
The tournament’s history stretches back to 1955, when it was first played at Wentworth as the Piccadilly Medal. It became the flagship event of the European Tour and has been won by some of the greatest names in golf, including Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Ernie Els, and Luke Donald. The event has undergone several title sponsor changes but has remained at Wentworth throughout, cementing the Surrey venue’s reputation as the home of European professional golf.
Tickets and Hospitality
Tickets are available through the DP World Tour’s official ticketing platform and the BMW PGA Championship event website. Daily grounds passes, weekly tickets, and premium hospitality packages are offered. The Championship Village provides food, drink, and entertainment alongside the golf. Early booking is recommended, as the event regularly attracts crowds exceeding 100,000 across the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW PGA Championship a major?
No, it is not one of golf’s four major championships. It is, however, the flagship event of the DP World Tour and is widely considered the most prestigious tournament in European golf outside the majors.
How do I get to Wentworth Club?
Wentworth is accessible by car via the M25 and A30. The nearest railway station is Virginia Water, around a 15-minute walk from the course. Event shuttle buses typically operate from nearby stations on tournament days.
Can spectators walk the full course?
Yes, general admission tickets allow spectators to follow groups around the full 18-hole West Course. Grandstand seating is available at selected holes, including the 1st tee and 18th green.
What is the prize fund for the BMW PGA Championship?
As a Rolex Series event, the prize fund is among the highest on the DP World Tour. Recent editions have offered purses in excess of $8 million, with the exact figure for 2026 to be confirmed closer to the event.