The world-class field in this year’s BMW PGA Championship will compete for more prize money than ever before after the purse was increased to €5 million for the 61st edition of The European Tour’s flagship event.
The prize fund was €4.75 million when Rory McIlroy secured victory last year, but it will increase by €250,000 when the World Number One returns to Wentworth Club’s famed West Course to defend his title from May 21-24.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “It is a sure sign of the tournament’s pre-eminence on The European Tour International Schedule that the prize fund for the BMW PGA Championship has been increased to €5 million.
“We are delighted to be able to announce this significant increase, and are indebted to the continued support of BMW as the title sponsor. Since they came on board as the event’s title sponsor ten years ago the prize fund has increased significantly, which is a sign both of their commitment and also the increasing prestige of this Championship.”
Dr Ian Robertson, Head of Sales and Marketing of BMW, said: “Over the decade of BMW’s title sponsorship, we have seen the stature of the PGA Championship grow year on year, and that is reflected in this latest increase to the prize fund.
“We are very proud to sponsor The European Tour’s flagship event, and delighted to have contributed to the ongoing development of this prestigious Championship. With Rory McIlroy defending his title and a record prize fund of €5 million on offer, this year’s BMW PGA Championship is all set to write another exciting chapter in the tournament’s rich history.”
McIlroy succeeded Matteo Manassero as champion after overturning a seven shot deficit to Thomas Bjørn on the final day.
Advance tickets, with a discount on the gate price, are available for the practice day on Tuesday May 19, the celebrity Pro-Am day on Wednesday May 20, and all four days of the tournament from May 21-24.
To purchase tickets, please call the ticketing hotline on 0800 023 2557, or click on the following link: http://tickets.europeantour.com/event/bmw-pga-championship/wentworth-club/794430
A limited number of hospitality packages are also available. For more information or to book one of the packages, please call Michael Godfrey on 01344 840562 or email mgodfrey@europeantour.com
European Tour www.europeantour.com
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