Paju, Korea - Career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy returns to Wentworth Club this week for the 2026 BMW PGA Championship, seeking to add a second title at the DP World Tour’s flagship event in Surrey.
McIlroy, who famously captured his first victory at the West Course in 2014 after erasing a seven-shot overnight deficit with a closing 66, enters the US$9,000,000 tournament following a strong finish at last week’s Amgen Irish Open. The World Number Two is looking to make up ground in his pursuit of an eighth Race to Dubai crown, sitting second in the season-long standings behind Patrick Reed.
“It’s always nice to be back, even more meaningful now that we have a home here,” said McIlroy, who tees off in the opening two rounds alongside reigning US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai and Open Champion Ryan Fox. “It really does feel like a home event. A great field is always assembled, and we play in front of an amazing atmosphere. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year.”
McIlroy will face a formidable international field that includes defending champion Alex Norén. The Swede, who defeated France’s Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff last year, is aiming for his third BMW PGA Championship title. A victory would place Norén alongside Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie, trailing only Sir Nick Faldo’s record of four titles in the modern era.
Two-time Major winner Jon Rahm also returns to Surrey in search of his sixth Rolex Series victory. The Spaniard boasts a stellar track record at Wentworth, having logged runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2022 alongside a fourth-place effort in 2023.
The English contingent is led by Justin Rose, making his 21st career appearance at the championship, alongside Rai, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tommy Fleetwood.
“I’m certainly motivated to play well for the rest of the year,” McIlroy added. “Being second right now and a little ways off first is motivation enough to try to finish the year off well.”