Friday 13 January 2017 12:39, UK
Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will feature at this year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth – the first tournament in the European Tour’s new Rolex Series.
The world No 2 will headline the field from May 25-28 at the revamped Wentworth Club, where the West Course has undergone extensive changes since last year’s Championship.
McIlroy skipped the event last year but is relishing the chance to feature this time around, in the first of eight tournaments across the season offering a minimum prize fund of $7million.
“The BMW PGA Championship is the first Rolex Series event and I’m really excited for that,” McIlroy said. I think it’s a huge thing for the European Tour and I want to be a part of it.”
“You know I am a very proud member of the European Tour and I think it’s only right that I am there.
“BMW have been a huge supporter of golf for a number of years now and I’m happy to come back to Wentworth.”
The course changes at Wentworth have been overseen by Ernie Els and a committee which includes European Tour players Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn, as well as European Golf Design.
McIlroy won the event in 2014 when he overturned a seven-shot deficit on the final day to finish one stroke clear of Shane Lowry, before going on to win two majors later that summer.
“I’m excited to get back to Wentworth and hopefully I can emulate some of the golf I played in 2014,” McIlroy added. “I know there have been a few changes to the golf course and I’m excited to see those.
“The BMW PGA Championship feels like the start of the British golf season and you know everyone is excited. Hopefully the weather is good and people come out in their droves like they always do.
“Playing in front of those fans is always a pleasure because they are so knowledgeable and they come out in their numbers, so I’m really looking forward to going back.”
Watch the BMW PGA Championship from May 25-28 live on Sky Sports 4 – your home of golf
