Ryan Fox will return to the BMW PGA Championship on September 17-22 to defend the title he won in stunning fashion at Wentworth Club alongside past champions Shane Lowry and Billy Horschel.
The New Zealander claimed his maiden Rolex Series title by one shot last September and in doing so, entered the history books as the first Kiwi to triumph at the BMW PGA Championship, and follows in the footsteps of Major-winning countryman Michael Campbell, who won at the prestigious Surrey venue in the 2005 World Match Play Championship.
The biggest victory of Fox’s career to date, the 37-year-old began the final day three shots off the lead, picking up two birdies on the front nine to turn in 36 and then came home in 31, birdieing the intimidating par-five 18th from six feet for a closing 67, to finish at 18 under in front of sell-out crowds.
Fox said: “I'm immensely proud of my victory at the BMW PGA Championship. It's such an iconic tournament and I can’t wait to come back in September to defend my title. I’ve always enjoyed coming to Wentworth Club, and when I was able to create some of my own history last year in front of my family and friends, it was very special, and I’ll have those memories forever.”
Lowry, the 2019 Open Champion, became a two-time Rolex Series winner in 2022 after the Irishman birdied the final hole for round 65 and a 17 under total. He faced an anxious wait as 2014 BMW PGA Champion Rory McIlroy, in the group behind, gave himself an eagle putt at the 18th which would have forced a play-off, however McIlroy's 23-foot effort just stayed above ground, leaving Lowry to celebrate his first victory at an event he loves.
“I’ve said it on many occasions, the BMW PGA Championship is a tournament that I love, and it was an event that I have always wanted to win,” said Lowry, who has recorded five top-tens at Wentworth, including his famous victory in 2022.
“As a Rolex Series event at such an iconic venue, it’s marked in my calendar every year, and as a past champion, I have such great memories of winning here. I’m looking forward to doing it all again in September.”
Horschel entered the history books with his first Rolex Series win three years ago, becoming just the second player from America to triumph at the BMW PGA Championship, after the legendary Arnold Palmer.
The seven-time PGA TOUR winner has an enviable record at the event, with three top tens, including his victory in 2021, and a further top 20.
Horschel said: "Winning the BMW PGA Championship in 2021 was an incredible experience and the memories I have from that week is why I keep coming back to London. I said at the time that it was a tournament I had set my sights on winning, and after experiencing the incredible atmosphere at Wentworth Club a few times now, I can't wait to get back and compete for the title again this season."
The BMW PGA Championship Festival of Golf takes place just outside central London, attracting more than 100,000 spectators each year, with the world class action inside the ropes set to be complemented by live entertainment on the Showstage, and an unrivalled atmosphere in the vibrant Spectator Village.
The G4D TOUR @ BMW PGA Championship will take place at the start of the week, with some of the best golfers with a disability competing for the penultimate G4D Tour title on the iconic West Course on Monday September 16 and Tuesday September 17.
