Prize fund increase for the BMW PGA Championship.

Munich/Wentworth. 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.

Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing 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.”

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.”