Noren claims second BMW PGA Championship crown
Swede holds off Saddier in playoff to set national record at Wentworth
Las Vegas - Alex Noren secured his 12th DP World Tour title and a second BMW PGA Championship crown after edging Adrien Saddier in a playoff at Wentworth Club.
The 43-year-old Swede, who shot a course record-equalling 62 to win here in 2017, found a way once more on the West Course. He held a slender lead at the turn before Saddier surged with four birdies on the back nine. Both men closed on 19 under par, matching birdies on 17 and pars at 18 to set up sudden death.
“I love it. This tournament is unbelievable,” Noren said. “It was such a tough, emotional back nine. Adrien played very well and the leaderboard was stacked. Sometimes it comes easy, sometimes you’ve just got to fight – and today it felt like a fight.”
Victory makes Noren the most successful Swede in DP World Tour history, moving him past Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson. Aaron Rai and Patrick Reed shared third at 16 under, while Ryder Cup stars Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland were among those tied for fifth.
A total of £72,000 was raised for the Golf Foundation through the Eagles for Education initiative, with the BMW Group donating £1,000 for each eagle made during the week. For Noren, his 12th career title capped an emotional return to one of his favourite venues – and reinforced his standing as one of the tour’s fiercest competitors.