-
Prize money at the BMW PGA Championship increased to 7
million US dollars. -
The iconic tournament is the inaugural event of the European
Tour’s new Rolex Series. - West Course at the Wentworth Club undergoes extensive improvements.
Munich/Dubai. The status of the BMW PGA Championship (25th to
28th May 2017, Wentworth Club), already one of the most prestigious
tournaments on the European Tour, will be further enhanced as of
next season. With the total prize purse increased to 7 million US
dollars, the prestigious tournament now forms the opening event of
the new “Rolex Series”: as of 2017, a greater number of world
ranking and Ryder Cup points will be on offer at these seven
highlight events. Digital and television coverage is also to be
increased significantly.
“These are exciting times for the world of professional golf and BMW
is delighted to be leading the way in the European Tour’s thrilling
new series for 2017,” said Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of
Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW. “We are
proud to continue our long and rewarding association with the Tour –
both on and off the field of play – and look forward to helping stage
the flagship BMW PGA Championship over Wentworth’s iconic West Course
for the 13th year in succession. As the inaugural tournament of the
new series, and one of the world’s premier sporting events, we can
expect to witness golf of the highest level.”
Keith Pelley, CEO of the European Tour, added: “It is totally fitting
that the BMW PGA Championship should be the first tournament of the
new series. It has always been one of our top competitions and its
status as the inaugural Rolex Series event confirms its position among
the leading tournaments on the European Tour. BMW has done a fantastic
job over the last decade to constantly enhance the event and, for
their part, the Wentworth Club has invested greatly over the summer
and autumn to improve the course. The West Course will be in fabulous
condition next May and we have every confidence that the first-class
field that will arrive at Wentworth will be delighted with what has occurred.”