BMW PGA Championship 2026: Five Things to Know Before Wentworth

The BMW PGA Championship returns to the Wentworth Club this week, with some of the biggest names in world golf heading to Surrey for one of the DP World Tour’s flagship events.

Competitive action gets underway on Thursday 17^th September before the champion is crowned on Sunday, with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood and defending champion Alex Noren among a world-class field. With huge Race to Dubai implications, the Ryder Cup countdown and entertainment away from the course, there will be plenty happening across four days at the famous West Course.

For those still looking to attend, Eventmasters offers a range of official BMW PGA Championship hospitality packages at the Wentworth Club. Options include the Ballroom, 72 Lounge, 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18, combining access to world-class golf with premium dining, complimentary drinks and excellent locations around the course. With tournament week now here, this is the time to secure your place and experience one of the biggest events on the European golfing calendar in style. Find the perfect day and package for you HERE.

One of the Best Fields of the DP World Tour Season

The BMW PGA Championship regularly attracts a field worthy of its position within the prestigious Rolex Series, and 2026 is certainly no different.

World Number Two Rory McIlroy headlines the line-up as he continues his pursuit of another Harry Vardon Trophy, while Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Ludvig Åberg, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre are all set to compete at Wentworth.

There is further Major-winning quality through Open Champion Ryan Fox, US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, JJ Spaun, Brooks Koepka and Danny Willett, while Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed will also be looking to strengthen his position at the top of the standings.

For golf fans attending with Eventmasters, the strength of the field means there should be leading names to follow throughout the day. Hospitality guests can use their chosen facility as a premium base before heading out onto the West Course to watch the action unfold.

Alex Noren Returns to Defend His Crown

Alex Noren heads back to the Wentworth Club looking to make more BMW PGA Championship history after claiming his second title in dramatic circumstances last year.

The Swede first lifted the trophy in 2017 and returned to the winner’s circle in 2025 following an absorbing final-round battle with Adrien Saddier. With the pair unable to be separated after 72 holes, Noren produced the decisive birdie at the first play-off hole to seal his 12th DP World Tour victory.

Reflecting on the victory, Noren said: “So many emotions right now. In the play-off it felt maybe a little bit easier than coming down the 72nd hole – a little bit better conditions.

“I thought I hit my approach (in the play-off) in the water but I had a great lie so I tried to put it up here on the right side of the green and then got fortunate with a good break. The chip was sitting quite nicely. I saw his ball didn’t catch as nice of a break maybe. So it makes a difference.”

Noren now returns attempting to win the event for a third time, but the quality of the 2026 field means retaining his title will be no simple task.

There Is Far More Than the Trophy at Stake

Victory at Wentworth carries considerable significance on its own, but the BMW PGA Championship could also have a major influence on how the wider DP World Tour season unfolds.

A US$9million prize fund is on offer alongside 8,000 Race to Dubai points and 2,000 Ryder Cup points. The winner will collect 1,335 Race to Dubai points, creating an opportunity for several players to transform their position in the season-long standings.

Patrick Reed has spent 31 weeks at the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings, but any of the current top five can replace him with victory this weekend. That should add another dimension to proceedings as some of the Tour’s biggest names battle for one of the most valuable titles still available this season.

Rounds One and Two will also feature a two-tee start, with players beginning their rounds from both the first and ninth holes on Thursday and Friday.

Ryder Cup Stars Take Centre Stage at Wentworth

Thursday’s opening round comes one year before the 2027 Ryder Cup, adding another major storyline to an already significant week.

McIlroy is among 11 members of Europe’s victorious 2025 Ryder Cup team competing, alongside Fitzpatrick, Rahm, Hatton, MacIntyre, Rose, Lowry, Straka, Åberg, Hovland and Fleetwood. European captain Luke Donald will also feature, together with vice-captains Francesco Molinari and Pádraig Harrington.

With Ryder Cup points also available at Wentworth, the BMW PGA Championship offers supporters an early opportunity to see many of the players likely to dominate the conversation as attention gradually turns towards Adare Manor in 2027.

It also strengthens the case for experiencing this year’s tournament with BMW PGA Championship hospitality. From following European stars around the West Course to returning to a premium facility for food and refreshments, guests can build an entire day around one of the strongest collections of players in European golf.

The BMW PGA Championship Is More Than Just Golf

The action on the West Course is only part of what makes BMW PGA Championship week such a major occasion.

Wednesday’s Celebrity Pro-Am brings together names from golf, football, cricket, rugby and entertainment. Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, John Terry, Robbie Fowler and Joe Hart are among the former Premier League stars involved, while cricket great Brian Lara, former Lioness Carly Telford and rugby names Anthony Watson and Thom Evans also feature.

Away from the course, the entertainment continues throughout the tournament. DJ Tony Perry performs after Friday’s second round, before The Kooks headline on Saturday evening. Ella Eyre then takes to the Amazon Leo Live Stage after Sunday’s prize presentation to close the week.

That wider Festival of Golf atmosphere makes Wentworth particularly well suited to hospitality. The 72 Lounge provides a relaxed base in the Championship Village, while the 72 Signature Lounge adds reserved tables and access to reserved seating within the 18th Green Grandstand until 4pm. Green on 18 places guests beside the closing hole with premium dining and a covered greenside terrace, while the Ballroom offers a traditional clubhouse hospitality experience.

Experience the BMW PGA Championship with Eventmasters

With McIlroy, Rahm, Fleetwood, Noren and a host of Ryder Cup and Major-winning stars heading for the Wentworth Club, the 2026 BMW PGA Championship is set to deliver four days of top-level golf.

Eventmasters offers official BMW PGA Championship hospitality packages for guests looking to elevate their visit, whether entertaining clients, rewarding colleagues or enjoying the tournament with friends and family.

With the Championship beginning on Thursday 17th September, there is little time left to secure your place. Explore BMW PGA Championship hospitality with Eventmasters and experience one of the biggest weeks on the DP World Tour from premium surroundings.

BMW PGA Championship 2026 FAQs

When is the 2026 BMW PGA Championship?

The four competitive rounds of the 2026 BMW PGA Championship take place from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th September at the Wentworth Club in Surrey. Practice Day takes place on Tuesday, followed by the Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday.

Who is playing in the 2026 BMW PGA Championship?

Rory McIlroy headlines a field featuring Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Ludvig Åberg, Viktor Hovland, Robert MacIntyre, Patrick Reed, Ryan Fox, Aaron Rai and defending champion Alex Noren.

What BMW PGA Championship hospitality is available with Eventmasters?

Eventmasters offers a selection of official hospitality experiences for the BMW PGA Championship, including the Ballroom, 72 Lounge, 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18. Packages combine premium food and drink with access to the action at the Wentworth Club, with facilities suited to both corporate entertaining and private groups.

Where is the BMW PGA Championship held?

The BMW PGA Championship is played on the West Course at the Wentworth Club in Virginia Water, Surrey. The venue is less than an hour from Central London, with Virginia Water the closest railway station.