Who Will Win the 2026 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth?

The wait is almost over. The 2026 BMW PGA Championship gets underway at Wentworth Club on Thursday 17th September, with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood and defending champion Alex Noren among a world-class field competing for one of the biggest titles on the DP World Tour.

Picking a winner is far from straightforward. McIlroy heads the betting market, Lowry arrives in outstanding form, Rahm boasts a superb Wentworth record and Noren has already lifted the trophy twice. With four rounds ahead on the famous West Course, there are several serious contenders capable of finishing Sunday afternoon with the trophy.

Experience the BMW PGA Championship with Eventmasters

With the Championship beginning tomorrow, there is still limited availability to experience the action with official BMW PGA Championship hospitality at Wentworth Club.

Eventmasters offers a selection of premium packages, including the Ballroom, 72 Lounge, 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18. Guests can combine world-class golf with premium dining, complimentary drinks and excellent viewing opportunities around the course, including options close to the decisive action on the 18th.

Availability is now limited across the tournament, making this the final opportunity to secure a premium experience at one of European golf’s biggest events. Secure your place HERE.

Shane Lowry Arrives in Outstanding Form

Few players could arrive at Wentworth with more momentum than Shane Lowry.

The Irishman produced a remarkable performance at the Amgen Irish Open last weekend, finishing 23-under-par and winning by 11 shots after closing with a seven-under 63. It was his second Irish Open title and immediately put his name firmly among the leading contenders heading into the BMW PGA Championship.

Lowry also knows exactly what it takes to win at Wentworth. He lifted the BMW PGA Championship trophy in 2022 and returns four years later with his game in excellent shape.

If his form from Ireland carries into Surrey, Lowry will be extremely difficult to overlook.

Can Rory McIlroy Win at Wentworth Again?

Rory McIlroy remains one of the headline names in the field and enters the Championship as the current market favourite.

McIlroy won this event in 2014 and has remained a regular contender at the highest level ever since. His preparation has not been perfect after a tied-41st finish at the Irish Open, although he said there were encouraging signs in his game heading into Wentworth.

With the West Course rewarding quality approach play and a strong all-round game, McIlroy certainly has the tools required to contend again. Twelve years after his first victory here, another BMW PGA Championship title would add another major European trophy to his record.

Jon Rahm’s Wentworth Record Is Difficult to Ignore

Jon Rahm may still be searching for his first BMW PGA Championship victory, but his previous performances at Wentworth suggest he should once again be firmly in contention.

Across his four previous appearances, Rahm has finished runner-up twice, fourth once and tied 13th last year. He also arrives after securing a third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship in August and finishing tied second at the PGA Championship earlier in the season.

Few players in the field can match that combination of course form and major championship pedigree.

Tommy Fleetwood Looking for a Home Victory

Tommy Fleetwood will have plenty of support around the West Course as he attempts to win the BMW PGA Championship for the first time.

The Englishman has recorded four top-five finishes on the PGA Tour this season, including a tied-fourth result at The Open. His consistency throughout 2026 ensures he enters Wentworth as another serious contender in a particularly strong field.

A Fleetwood charge over the weekend would also create one of the biggest atmosphere around Wentworth, particularly if he remains in contention heading towards the closing holes on Sunday.

Can Alex Noren Defend His Title?

Alex Noren cannot be discounted either.

The Swede defeated Adrien Saddier in a play-off to win the 2025 BMW PGA Championship, securing his second victory at Wentworth after previously lifting the trophy in 2017.

His record alone makes him one of the players to watch, particularly at a course where experience has regularly proved important.

Who Will Win the BMW PGA Championship?

There are strong arguments for several players, but Shane Lowry’s timing could hardly be better.

Winning the Irish Open by 11 shots immediately before travelling to Wentworth represents outstanding preparation, while his previous BMW PGA Championship victory proves he is comfortable around the West Course.

McIlroy remains the market favourite, Rahm has an exceptional record at Wentworth and Fleetwood will carry plenty of home support, but Lowry enters the week with arguably the strongest combination of current form and course experience.

Whatever happens, the quality of the field means another dramatic BMW PGA Championship is in prospect from Thursday through to Sunday’s final round.

BMW PGA Championship FAQs

When does the 2026 BMW PGA Championship start?

The opening competitive round takes place on Thursday 17th September 2026, with the final round taking place on Sunday 20th September at Wentworth Club.

Who is the defending BMW PGA Championship champion?

Alex Noren is the defending champion after defeating Adrien Saddier in a play-off in 2025. It was Noren’s second victory in the event following his first title in 2017.

Who are the favourites to win the BMW PGA Championship?

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Alex Noren, Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton are among the leading names in a strong field at Wentworth.

Can I still book BMW PGA Championship hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters has limited BMW PGA Championship hospitality availability, with packages including the Ballroom, 72 Lounge, 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18. Guests can enquire or book subject to remaining availability.