The Most Memorable Moments in BMW PGA Championship History

First held in 1955, the championship has taken place on the famous West Course at Wentworth Club since 1984. Over the decades, some of golf’s biggest names have lifted the trophy, including Sir Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald.

With the 2027 BMW PGA Championshiptaking place from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th September, we look back at some of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history.

Colin Montgomerie Wins Three Consecutive Titles (1998–2000)

Few players have enjoyed as much success at Wentworth as Colin Montgomerie, who made history in 2000 by becoming the first golfer to win the PGA Championship three years in succession.

The Scotsman had already claimed victories in 1998 and 1999 but faced a difficult final round in his pursuit of a third consecutive title. Despite beginning Sunday with a three-shot advantage, Montgomerie was caught by fellow Scot Andrew Coltart after just seven holes.

However, four birdies across six holes from the eighth helped Montgomerie regain control, eventually securing a three-stroke victory. His achievement remains unmatched, with no other player winning the championship in three consecutive years.

Miguel Ángel Jiménez Wins Dramatic Play-Off (2008)

Spanish golfer Miguel Ángel Jiménez produced one of the tournament’s most entertaining victories in 2008, defeating England’s Oliver Wilson in a sudden-death play-off.

Jiménez had already provided one of the week’s standout moments with a hole-in-one at the fifth during his final round, but he still had to overcome Wilson after both players finished level at 11 under par.

The Spaniard eventually secured victory on the second extra hole, adding another significant title to his professional career at the age of 44.

Luke Donald Becomes World Number One (2011)

The 2011 BMW PGA Championship featured one of the most significant final-round contests in the tournament’s history, with English golfers Luke Donald and Lee Westwood competing for both the title and the top position in the Official World Golf Ranking.

After finishing level through 72 holes, the pair returned to Wentworth’s 18th for a sudden-death play-off. Donald produced a birdie to secure victory, becoming the world’s number one golfer for the first time.

He returned in 2012 and successfully defended his title, joining an exclusive group of players to achieve consecutive BMW PGA Championship victories.

Matteo Manassero Becomes Youngest Champion (2013)

Italian golfer Matteo Manassero made history at the 2013 BMW PGA Championship, becoming the youngest winner in the tournament’s history at just 20 years and 37 days old.

Manassero finished regulation play tied with England’s Simon Khan and Scotland’s Marc Warren at 10 under par, forcing a three-man play-off.

Warren was eliminated on the first extra hole, leaving Manassero and Khan to contest the title. The Italian eventually secured victory on the fourth extra hole after Khan found the water, with Manassero making birdie to claim his fourth European Tour title.

His achievement remains one of the championship’s most significant records.

Rory McIlroy Completes Seven-Shot Comeback (2014)

Rory McIlroy produced one of the greatest final-round comebacks in BMW PGA Championship history when he overturned a seven-shot deficit to win the 2014 tournament.

Beginning the final round well behind the leaders, McIlroy delivered an outstanding six-under-par 66 to finish at 14 under and secure a one-shot victory over Ireland’s Shane Lowry.

The result marked McIlroy’s first professional victory on British soil and began an outstanding period for the Northern Irishman, who went on to win The Open Championship and the PGA Championship later that summer.

His seven-shot comeback equalled the tournament record previously established by Simon Khan in 2010.

Alex Noren Shoots Final-Round 62 to Win (2017)

Sweden’s Alex Noren produced one of the finest rounds in Wentworth history to win the 2017 BMW PGA Championship, recovering from seven shots behind heading into the final day.

Noren carded a remarkable 10-under-par 62, equalling the West Course record and setting a clubhouse target of 11 under par.

His performance included an eagle at the par-five 18th, where a superb approach shot finished just five feet from the hole.

With the chasing players unable to match his total, Noren secured a two-shot victory over Francesco Molinari and became the first winner of a Rolex Series tournament on the European Tour.

Ross Fisher Makes Historic Albatross on the 18th (2019)

Not every memorable BMW PGA Championship moment has involved the eventual winner.

During the third round of the 2019 tournament, English golfer Ross Fisher produced one of the most extraordinary shots ever witnessed at Wentworth.

Playing the par-five 18th, Fisher struck a four-iron approach from 218 yards that cleared the water and rolled directly into the hole for an albatross.

It was the first recorded albatross on Wentworth’s famous finishing hole during the championship. The remarkable achievement also earned Fisher a BMW i8 Roadster, awarded by the tournament sponsors.

Ryan Fox Recovers From Triple Bogey to Win (2023)

New Zealand’s Ryan Fox appeared to have severely damaged his chances of winning the 2023 BMW PGA Championship after making a triple-bogey seven at the third hole of his final round.

However, Fox responded with eight birdies across his remaining 15 holes, including a crucial birdie at the par-five 18th.

His closing round of 67 took him to 18 under par, securing a one-shot victory over England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Aaron Rai.

Fox became the first New Zealander to win the BMW PGA Championship, claiming his maiden Rolex Series title following one of the tournament’s most impressive final-round recoveries.

Billy Horschel Defeats Rory McIlroy in Play-Off (2024)

The 2024 BMW PGA Championship delivered another dramatic conclusion as Billy Horschel, Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence finished tied at 20 under par.

All three players returned to the 18th for a sudden-death play-off, with Lawrence eliminated after making bogey while Horschel and McIlroy both recorded birdies.

The two remaining competitors returned to the same hole, where McIlroy narrowly missed his eagle opportunity before Horschel converted his putt to secure the title.

It was Horschel’s second BMW PGA Championship victory, following his success in 2021, making him the first American to win the tournament twice.

Alex Noren Claims Second BMW PGA Championship (2025)

Eight years after his first Wentworth victory, Alex Noren returned to the winners’ circle at the 2025 BMW PGA Championship.

The Swede finished the tournament at 19 under par alongside France’s Adrien Saddier, setting up another sudden-death play-off on the West Course.

Noren made birdie on the first extra hole to secure his second championship title, becoming one of the tournament’s multiple winners.

The victory added another major achievement to his career and followed a closely contested final day in which numerous players had opportunities to challenge for the title.

JJ Spaun Wins on Wentworth Debut (2026)

The most recent BMW PGA Championship produced another memorable finish as American JJ Spaun claimed the 2026 title on his first appearance at Wentworth.

The 2025 US Open champion entered the final round two strokes behind the overnight leaders before producing four birdies across his final five holes.

His closing 67 took him to 17 under par, securing a two-shot victory over Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, Adam Scott and Manuel Elvira, who all finished tied for second.

Spaun became just the third American golfer to win the championship, joining Arnold Palmer and Billy Horschel, and secured his first Rolex Series title.

BMW PGA Championship Returns to Wentworth in 2027

The BMW PGA Championship returns to Wentworth Club from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th September 2027, with the tournament scheduled to take place immediately after the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.

The championship will again bring some of the world’s leading golfers to the West Course, with former winners, Major champions and Ryder Cup stars expected to feature among the competitors.

Fans looking to experience the tournament in premium surroundings can explore BMW PGA Championship 2027 hospitality packages with Eventmasters.

A selection of hospitality experiences is available, including The Ballroom, 72 Lounge, 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18, offering a range of premium dining, exclusive facilities and excellent viewing opportunities.

BMW PGA Championship FAQs

Who has won the BMW PGA Championship the most times?

Sir Nick Faldo holds the record for the most BMW PGA Championship victories, having won the tournament four times in 1978, 1980, 1981 and 1989. Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer and Peter Alliss have each won three titles.

What is the biggest final-round comeback in BMW PGA Championship history?

The largest final-round comeback is seven strokes, achieved by Simon Khan in 2010, Rory McIlroy in 2014 and Alex Noren in 2017.

Who is the youngest winner of the BMW PGA Championship?

Matteo Manassero is the youngest winner in the tournament’s history, claiming the title in 2013 at the age of 20 years and 37 days.

Who won the BMW PGA Championship in 2026?

American golfer JJ Spaun won the 2026 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, finishing at 17 under par to secure a two-shot victory on his tournament debut.

When is the 2027 BMW PGA Championship?

The 2027 BMW PGA Championship will take place from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th September on the West Course at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.