The prestigious BMW PGA Championship makes its return to Wentworth’s West Course this year from September 11-14, and the field assembled promises another dramatic chapter in the tournament’s storied history. As golf’s flagship European event, it attracts a potent mix of elite European Tour stars, major champions, and top-tier LIV players.
This tournament stands out because of its blend of tradition, timing, and competitive weight. Held in the late summer, it has often served as a launching pad for players seeking momentum into the fall and a showcase for those with Ryder Cup ambitions. The West Course itself, with its tree-lined fairways and punishing par-fives, offers both beauty and a stern test that ensures drama across all four days.
What Sets This Championship Apart
Unlike many other stops on the schedule, the BMW PGA Championship is steeped in history that resonates across generations of European golf. Since its inception in 1955, it has grown into a must-win trophy, joining the ranks of events that can define a player’s career. Wentworth’s setting, just outside London, adds further prestige, attracting global audiences and international talent year after year.
The event also carries significant implications beyond the trophy. With maximum ranking points on the line, careers can be shaped or salvaged here. For those on the cusp of season-long objectives; whether it’s climbing the DP World Tour rankings, securing exemptions, or making a case for Ryder Cup selection–performance at Wentworth can tip the balance.
LIV Golf Stars Boost the European Contingent
The 2025 field is particularly notable for the deep LIV Golf representation–an infusion that reshapes the competitive landscape. Jon Rahm, despite his LIV affiliation, remains a featured name, bringing both star power and Ryder Cup relevance. Also confirmed are Patrick Reed, Joaquin Niemann, Thomas Pieters, Dean Burmester, and rising talent Tom McKibbin, who can use big-event exposure to elevate their European Tour standing.
LIV players joining the field serve dual purposes: they widen the tournament’s appeal and add intriguing matchups. Rahm’s attempt to become the first Spaniard to win since 2008 adds historical weight, while others like Niemann and McKibbin continue building narratives that cut across tour lines.
Major Champions, Veterans, and Local Favorites
In addition to LIV stars, BMW PGA always attracts a crop of European legends and major winners. Padraig Harrington, Francesco Molinari, and Danny Willett strengthen the depth, blending past glory with current grit. Their presence underscores the championship’s reputation as a stage where golf’s elite revisit familiar turf.
Here is the full list of BMW PGA Championship participants:
- AIKEN, Thomas
- ÅBERG, Ludvig
- BALDWIN, Matthew
- BAIRSTOW, Sam
- BROWN, Daniel
- BRADBURY, Dan
- BURMESTER, Dean
- CAMPILLO, Jorge
- CANTER, Laurie
- CHACARRA, Eugenio
- CLARK, Wyndham
- CLEMENTS, Todd
- COCKERILL, Aaron
- COUSSAUD, Ugo
- CUVRA, Martin
- CROCKER, Sean
- DEL REY, Alejandro
- DEAN, Joe
- DETRY, Thomas
- DONALD, Luke
- ELVIRA, Nacho
- FERGUSON, Ewen
- FICHARDT, Darren
- FITZPATRICK, Alex
- FITZPATRICK, Matt
- FLEETWOOD, Tommy
- FORREST, Grant
- FORSSTRÖM, Simon
- FOX, Ryan
- FRITTELLI, Dylan
- GAMINS, Daniel
- GARCIA-HEREDIA, Alfredo
- GAVINS, Daniel
- GERARD, Ryan
- GUMBERG, Jordan
- GUERRIER, Julien
- GREEN, Gavin
- HALL, Harry
- HARRINGTON, Padraig
- HATTON, Tyrrell
- HIDDALGO, Angel
- HILLIER, Daniel
- HILL, Calum
- HOSHINO, Rikuya
- HØJGAARD, Nicolai
- HØJGAARD, Rasmus
- HOVLAND, Viktor
- JAMIESON, Scott
- JARVIS, Casey
- JOHNSTON, Ryggs
- JORDAN, Matthew
- KATSURAGAWA, Yuto
- KIM, Michael
- KIM, Si Woo
- KINHULT, Marcus
- KO, Jeong weon
- KRUSYWIK, Jacques
- LACROIX, Frederic
- LANGASQUE, Romain
- LAPORTA, Francesco
- LARRAZÁBAL, Pablo
- LAWRENCE, Thriston
- LEE, Min Woo
- LI, Haotong
- LOWRY, Shane
- LOMMBARD, Zander
- LUJTEN, Joost
- MACINTYRE, Robert
- MANSELL, Richard
- MANASSERO, Matteo
- MATSUYAMA, Hideki
- MCILROY, Rory
- MCKIBBIN, Tom
- MERONK, Adrian
- MICHELUZZI, David
- MIGLIOZZI, Guido
- MOLINARI, Francesco
- NAIDOO, Dylan
- NAKAJIMA, Keita
- NIEMANN, Joaquin
- NORGAARD, Niklas
- NOREN, Alex
- NORRIS, Shaun
- OTAEGUI, Adrian
- PARRY, John
- PAUL, Yannik
- PAVAN, Andrea
- PAVON, Matthieu
- PENGE, Marco
- PETTERS, Thomas
- PIETERS, Thomas
- RAHM, Jon
- RAI, Aaron
- RAMSAY, Richie
- RAVETTO, David
- REED, Patrick
- REITAN, Kristoffer
- ROSE, Justin
- RODGERS, Patrick
- ROZNER, Antoine
- SADDIER, Adrien
- SCHAPER, Jayden
- SCHMID, Matti
- SCHMIDT, Ben
- SCRIVENER, Jason
- SIEM, Marcel
- SHARMA, Shubhankar
- SMITH, Jordan
- SMYLIE, Elvis
- SÖDERBERG, Sebastian
- STEVENS, Sam
- STONE, Brandon
- STRYDOM, Ockie
- SULLIVAN, Andy
- SYME, Connor
- VAILLANT, Tom
- VÄLIMÄKI, Sami
- VAN DRIEL, Darius
- VEGAS, Jhonattan
- VEERMAN, Johannes
- VON DELLINGSHAUSEN, Nicolai
- WALLACE, Matt
- WHITNELL, Dale
- WIESBERGER, Bernd
- WINTHER, Jeff
- WILLETT, Danny
- YU, Kevin
This mix of seasoned veterans and current top performers creates a compelling narrative of legacy, resurgence, and competition. With Ryder Cup selections looming, the motivation running through this field extends beyond the trophy; it’s about building momentum and making statements on one of Europe’s biggest stages.
The timing of the BMW PGA Championship makes it more than just a marquee tournament; it’s a critical test ahead of Europe’s Ryder Cup lineup decisions. Captain Luke Donald has signaled his wish for European Ryder Cup contenders to compete, adding significance to each performance at Wentworth.
For players like Rahm, Hatton, and those vying for late selection or redemption, this week could define their Ryder Cup fate. Strong play here may offer added leverage when final picks are announced on September 1, elevating the event’s drama for fans watching closely.
One Big Name Missing
Despite the star-studded field, one notable absence stands out: Sepp Straka–a strong Ryder Cup contender and two-time PGA Tour winner this season–is not on the official entry list. Straka had expressed enthusiasm for a third appearance at Wentworth, but personal reasons forced his withdrawal, leaving a surprising gap in the lineup.
This absence ramps up the pressure for those still awaiting final selection decisions ahead of Donald’s picks. It underlines how even elite golfers are vulnerable to narrative shifts and missed opportunities; even one of Europe’s key fall battlegrounds.
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