Jodie Chacon

Written by Jodie Chacon

Modified & Updated: 01 Oct 2024

40-facts-about-bmw-pga-championship
Source: Gq-magazine.co.uk

What makes the BMW PGA Championship one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world? The BMW PGA Championship, founded in 1955, stands as a cornerstone of European golf. Held annually at the iconic Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, this tournament has a rich history and a reputation for attracting top talent. With BMW as the title sponsor since 2005, the event has only grown in stature. Winners not only earn significant prize money but also gain automatic entry into major championships like the U.S. Open and The Open Championship. The tournament's commitment to charity and its star-studded fields make it a must-watch event for golf enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BMW PGA Championship, founded in 1955, has a rich history and is considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in European golf. It offers extensive media coverage and significant exemptions for its winners.
  • The tournament has seen legendary winners, record-breaking performances, and has raised significant funds for charitable causes. The West Course at Wentworth is known for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings, attracting top talent from around the world.
Table of Contents

The Origins and Evolution of the BMW PGA Championship

The BMW PGA Championship has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. Let's explore its origins and how it has evolved over the years.

  1. Founding Year: The championship was founded in 1955 by the Professional Golfers' Association in Britain, originally known as the British PGA Championship.
  2. Current Name: It was renamed the BMW PGA Championship in 2005 when BMW became the title sponsor.
  3. Location: Typically held at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, it has been hosted at this venue for 40 consecutive years, although the club has hosted the event a total of 44 times.
  4. Prize Money: Historically, it had the highest prize money of any event on the European Tour. This changed in 2009 with the introduction of the Race to Dubai and the $10 million Dubai World Championship.
  5. Flagship Event: Regarded as the flagship event on the European Tour, it is often considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in European golf.

Media Coverage and Exemptions

The BMW PGA Championship enjoys extensive media coverage and offers significant exemptions for its winners.

  1. Media Coverage: In the United Kingdom, all four rounds are shown live by Sky Sports, with highlights being shown by the BBC.
  2. Winners’ Exemptions: The winner receives an automatic exemption into that season’s U.S. Open and the next three Open Championships.

Notable Winners and Records

Several golfers have left their mark on the BMW PGA Championship with multiple wins and record-breaking performances.

  1. Multiple Winners: Sir Nick Faldo holds the record with four victories (1978, 1980, 1981, and 1989).
  2. Colin Montgomerie’s Streak: Colin Montgomerie is the only player to have won the championship three consecutive years (1998, 1999, and 2000).
  3. Bernhard Langer’s Success: Bernhard Langer has won the championship three times (1987, 1993, and 1995).
  4. Youngest Winner: Matteo Manassero became the youngest player to win the championship at 20 years old in a three-man playoff in 2013.
  5. First American Winner: Arnold Palmer was the first American to win in 1975. Billy Horschel followed in 2021, becoming only the second American to achieve this feat.

Charity and Community Involvement

The BMW PGA Championship is not just about golf; it also has a strong legacy of supporting charitable causes.

  1. Charity Involvement: Since 2022, over £150,000 has been raised for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which will remain as the official charity partner for a third consecutive year.

Milestones and Celebrations

The tournament has reached several significant milestones over the years, making each edition special.

  1. 20th Anniversary: The 2024 BMW PGA Championship marks 20 years of BMW’s title sponsorship. This year’s event is expected to be the most widely attended tournament to date, with Saturday and Sunday tickets already sold out.

Star-Studded Fields and Recent Winners

The championship consistently attracts top golfers from around the world, making for exciting competitions.

  1. Star-Studded Field: The 2024 edition features 2023 Ryder Cup stars like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nicolai Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Justin Rose, and Sepp Straka.
  2. Recent Winners: Recent winners include Matt Wallace, who claimed his fifth DP World Tour title in Switzerland last week, and Irish Open champion Rasmus Højgaard.
  3. Rory McIlroy’s Ambitions: Rory McIlroy, who won in 2014, is looking to win a second title. He has finished second twice and has two further top tens at Wentworth.
  4. Ryan Fox’s Victory: Last year’s winner, Ryan Fox from New Zealand, birdied the iconic 18th hole to take the title, edging out Tyrrell Hatton and Aaron Rai.

Course and Layout

The West Course at Wentworth is known for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings, making it a favorite among players.

  1. Course History: The West Course at Wentworth has hosted the championship for decades. It is a heathland course known for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings.
  2. Tee Time: The first round of the 2024 BMW PGA Championship begins at 7 am on Thursday, with the three-ball of Calum Hill, Matthew Jordan, and Ockie Strydom first out.

BMW’s Automotive Highlights and Innovations

BMW has used the championship to showcase its automotive innovations and commitment to sustainability.

  1. BMW’s Automotive Highlights: Over the years, BMW has celebrated its involvement in golf through various automotive highlights. For example, the BMW 3 Series was crowned ‘Car of the Year’ at the prestigious 2006 What Car? Car of the Year Awards.
  2. Rory McIlroy’s Dramatic Win: In 2008, Rory McIlroy secured a dramatic win after overturning a seven-shot overnight deficit to score a 66 on the final day and clinch a thrilling victory. This win marked a significant moment in his career, which also included victories at The Open and US PGA Championship.
  3. BMW’s Plug-In Hybrid Launch: In 2014, BMW launched its first plug-in hybrid, which was part of the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Charity Fundraising and Social Causes

The BMW PGA Championship has raised significant funds for various charities over the years, demonstrating its commitment to social causes.

  1. Charity Fundraising: The tournament’s support for CALM since 2022 is a testament to its commitment to social causes.
  2. Golf Engagement: Golf remains a central pillar in the sports engagement of the BMW Group. The company’s involvement in golf events like the BMW PGA Championship underscores its dedication to the sport.

Historical Winners and Records

The championship has a roll call of champions that includes legendary golfers and record-breaking performances.

  1. Historical Winners: The BMW PGA Championship has a roll call of champions that includes legendary golfers such as Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer, Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam, and José María Olazábal.
  2. Lowest Scores: The lowest 18-hole score in the history of the championship is 62 (-9), achieved by Robert Karlsson in 2010. Other notable low scores include 63 (-11) by Nick Job in 1973 and 63 (-9) by Wayne Riley in 1991.
  3. Lowest 36-Hole Scores: The lowest 36-hole score is 131 (-13), achieved by Paul McGinley in 2008. This score is also the lowest in relation to par for the first 36 holes.
  4. Lowest 54-Hole Scores: The lowest 54-hole score is 199 (-17), achieved by Anders Hansen in 2002. Other notable low scores include 199 (-8) by Peter Alliss in 1961 and 199 (-17) by Anders Hansen again in 2002.
  5. Lowest 72-Hole Scores: The lowest 72-hole score is 266 (-10), achieved by Brian Bamford in 1961. Other notable low scores include 269 (-19) by Anders Hansen in 2002 and Scott Drummond in 2004.
  6. Lowest Round Scores: The lowest second-round score is 63 (-11), achieved by Nick Job in 1973. Other notable low round scores include 63 (-9) by Robert Dinwiddie in 2008 and 62 (-9) by Robert Karlsson in 2010.
  7. Lowest Last 36-Hole Scores: The lowest last 36-hole score is 131 (-13), achieved by several players including Seve Ballesteros in 1989, Colin Montgomerie in 1999, Ignacio Garrido in 2003, and Ross Fisher in 2009.
  8. Lowest Last 54-Hole Scores: The lowest last 54-hole score is 198 (-9), achieved by Brian Bamford in 1961. Other notable low last 54-hole scores include 200 (-16) by Ignacio Garrido in 2003.
  9. High Winning Scores: The highest winning score is 306 (+18), achieved by Peter Butler in 1963. Other notable high winning scores include 293 (+5) by Bernard Gallacher in 1969 and 285 (+5) by Arnold Palmer in 1975.
  10. Low Start by a Winner: The lowest start by a winner is 64 (-8), achieved by Howard Clark in 1984. Other notable low starts include 64 (-7) by Luke Donald in 2011.
  11. High Start by a Winner: The highest start by a winner is 75 (+3), achieved by several players over the years.
  12. Average Age of Winners: The average age of winners is 34. José María Olazábal was the last player to win in his 20s, while Luke Donald was the last player to win in his 30s. Miguel Angel Jiménez was the last player to win in his 40s.

Tournament Milestones and Future Prospects

The BMW PGA Championship continues to be a central pillar in European golf, attracting top talent and raising funds for charitable causes.

  1. First Round Start Time: The first round of the BMW PGA Championship typically begins at 7 am on Thursday, with the three-ball of Calum Hill, Matthew Jordan, and Ockie Strydom first out.
  2. Course Layout: The West Course at Wentworth is a heathland course known for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings. It has hosted numerous high-profile golf events over the years.
  3. Tournament Milestones: The BMW PGA Championship has reached several significant milestones, including its 70th edition and 20th year under BMW’s title sponsorship. The tournament continues to be a central pillar in European golf, attracting top talent and raising funds for charitable causes.

Celebrating a Rich Legacy

The BMW PGA Championship stands as a testament to the rich history and prestige of European golf. Founded in 1955, this tournament has evolved into a flagship event, attracting top talent from around the world. With BMW as the title sponsor since 2005, the championship has seen incredible moments, from Rory McIlroy's dramatic wins to Matteo Manassero becoming the youngest champion. Held at the iconic Wentworth Club, the event not only showcases elite golf but also supports charitable causes like CALM. With milestones like its 20th anniversary under BMW's sponsorship, the championship continues to captivate fans and players alike. Whether it's the challenging West Course or the star-studded field, the BMW PGA Championship remains a central pillar in the world of golf, blending tradition with modern excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the BMW PGA Championship?
Picture yourself walking along lush, green fairways under a bright sky. That's where the BMW PGA Championship comes into play. It's a prestigious golf tournament, part of the European Tour, where top golfers from around the globe compete for glory. Held annually at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, this event is a highlight in the golfing calendar.
Who can participate in this tournament?
Participation isn't open to just anyone with a set of clubs. Golfers who've made a name for themselves on the European Tour, along with a few invitees who've shown exceptional skill, get to tee off at this event. It's a gathering of the crème de la crème, where seasoned pros and rising stars showcase their prowess.
Has anyone famous won the BMW PGA Championship?
Absolutely! Over the years, this championship has seen some of the biggest names in golf hoist the trophy. Legends like Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, and Rory McIlroy have all had their moments of triumph here. Winning this tournament puts a golfer among the elite, a testament to their skill and determination.
What makes the Wentworth Club so special?
Wentworth isn't just any golf club; it's steeped in history and tradition, making it a jewel in England's golfing crown. With its challenging courses, including the famous West Course, it tests golfers to their limits. The club's blend of beauty and difficulty ensures the BMW PGA Championship remains a favorite among players and fans alike.
How can fans watch the BMW PGA Championship?
Fans have a few options to catch all the action. They can secure tickets to witness the drama unfold in person at the Wentworth Club. For those who prefer the comfort of their home, broadcasting networks and streaming services provide extensive coverage, ensuring you don't miss a swing.
What's the prize for winning this championship?
Winning here isn't just about the glory; there's also a handsome reward. The prize fund is hefty, with the winner taking home a significant share. This not only boosts their bank account but also their ranking points, propelling them up the leaderboards in the golfing world.
Can amateurs dream of playing in the BMW PGA Championship?
While it's a professional tournament, dreams fuel the spirit of golf. Many of today's pros started as amateurs with big dreams. Through dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck, reaching such prestigious tournaments isn't just a dream; for some, it becomes a reality. So, keep swinging, and who knows? Maybe one day, you'll find yourself walking the fairways of Wentworth.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.