Alex Noren achieved a new career milestone by securing his 12th DP World Tour title, defeating Adrian Saddier in a playoff to win the $9 million BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
The Swedish golfer, who famously matched the course record with a 62 to win in 2017, began the day sharing the lead and clinched his second victory in three weeks, following his success at the Betfred British Masters.
The 43-year-old, serving as Vice-Captain for Team Europe under Captain Donald at the upcoming Ryder Cup, held a one-stroke advantage after the front nine of the final round. However, Saddier bounced back after the turn, carding four birdies on the back nine. Noren responded with birdies on the 12th and 13th holes, and both players made gains on the 17th, leveling at 19 under with one hole remaining.
Both competitors parred the 18th, leading to a playoff. On the first extra hole, they went head-to-head down the left side of the challenging par five. Saddier’s chip went beyond the green, leaving him a difficult downhill putt, while Noren placed his attempt just three feet from the hole.
Saddier missed his putt, while Noren confidently sank his birdie putt to secure the victory, surpassing Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson as the Swede with the most wins in Tour history.
Aaron Rai and Patrick Reed finished tied for third at 16 under par, with Ryder Cup players Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Scotsman Ewen Ferguson, South Africa’s Darren Fichardt, and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim sharing fifth place, one stroke behind.
Flagship Event on the Rise
The DP World Tour’s flagship event continues to gain excitement each year. In today’s evolving golf landscape, collaboration becomes a key question.
Considering the strategic alliance between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, it may be time to address global golf scheduling, particularly after the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Many Team USA members for the Ryder Cup played in the Procore Championship on the PGA Tour, encouraged by Captain Keegan Bradley, which saw Scottie Scheffler secure his sixth win of the season.
Could the tours adjust schedules to allow these US stars to participate in the DP World Tour? A true alliance should be mutual.
The BMW PGA Championship is a remarkable tournament with a substantial $9 million purse. It deserves global recognition, encouraging US stars to compete.
Champion Alex Noren, who competes on the PGA Tour yet remains a committed European player, has advocated for PGA Tour players to consider adding it to their schedules.
Ryder Cup Year Considerations
Relevant questions arise: would players travel, whether or not it’s a Ryder Cup year, and what about appearance fees?
Paul McGinley recently highlighted that appearance fees are a significant barrier for US golfers participating in events outside the PGA Tour.
He noted that overcoming this hurdle is crucial for the global growth of the game.
Let’s anticipate the future; this is the missing piece for the BMW PGA Championship, which truly deserves worldwide acclaim!
