All you need to know about the 2026 BMW PGA Championship – tee times, star lineup and top betting picks.
The BMW PGA Championship returns to Wentworth Club for its 2026 edition, marking the 71st running of the DP World Tour’s flagship event. First staged in 1955, the tournament has evolved into a September staple on England’s golf calendar, drawing the sport’s biggest names and a hefty £6.6 million ($9 million) purse.
The West Course, a par-72 layout measuring 7,267 yards, will test players over four days of stroke-play from 17 September through 20 September.
Tee times and daily start schedules
Organisers have released a tightly packed tee-time sheet for the opening two rounds.
Thursday’s first wave kicks off at 07:00 with Ockie Strydom, Darius Van Driel and Adrian Meronk, followed by a succession of groups every ten minutes. By 09:00 the final trio on the morning—Thomas Rosenmueller, Ryggs Johnston and Maximilian Steinlechner—takes the first-day cue.
Friday mirrors the structure, beginning at 07:00 with Ross Fisher, Brandon Stone and Sam Bairstow and progressing in ten-minute intervals through the last group at 09:00 (Alex Noren, Robert MacIntyre and Ludvig Åberg). The schedule ensures a steady rhythm for spectators and broadcasters alike.
Who’s in the field
The 144-man roster features a blend of proven major winners and rising talent. Two-time Masters champion Rory McIlroy headlines the pack, hoping to improve on a tied-41st finish at the Amgen Irish Open. Patrick Reed fresh from a runner-up at the same Irish Open, leads the Race to Dubai rankings and returns after leaving LIV Golf. Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka add further depth, while former world No 1 Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton represent the LIV contingent on the course. Defending champion Alex Noren seeks to retain his title after clinching last year in a playoff.
Prize purse and ranking points
The tournament’s status as a Rolex Series event guarantees a substantial financial incentive: the winner walks away with £1.13 million ($1.53 million), while the total prize pool sits at £6.6 million. Beyond the cash, players vie for 8,000 Race-to-Dubai points and 2,000 Ryder Cup points, making the event pivotal for season-long ambitions. The combination of money and points ensures that even those who miss the cut will feel the impact on their world rankings.
Betting outlook and long-shot candidates
Sharp bettors are already flagging a few key selections. Ludvig Aberg presents a tantalising 20/1 each-way chance; his two previous visits to Wentworth produced top-10 finishes despite faltering on the final day, and he has entered the tournament with three top-9 results in his last four outings. Patrick Reed also offers value at 20/1 each-way, having never finished outside the top five at Wentworth and coming off a strong Irish Open performance. Other names to watch include Jordan Smith (potential under-dog) and the seasoned Matt Fitzpatrick who enjoys a superb season on the PGA Tour.
How to watch and the Celebrity Pro-Am
UK viewers can follow every round on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event, with Thursday and Friday kicking off at 07:30 BST, Saturday at 09:00 and the final round at 08:30. In the United States, the Golf Channel carries live coverage from 7 a.m. EDT each day. The event is preceded on Wednesday by a star-studded Celebrity Pro-Am, featuring former footballers John Terry, Eden Hazard and Robbie Fowler alongside professional golfers, offering a light-hearted start to the week.
