Staff WriterRory McIlroy arrives at Wentworth Club this week looking as sharp as a barber’s razor, fresh off his 20th DP World Tour victory at the Amgen Irish Open.
The Northern Irishman didn’t just win last weekend—he did it in theatrical fashion, eagling the 72nd hole before dispatching Joakim Lagergren on the third play-off hole. That’s McIlroy’s fourth global win of 2025, and he’s marching into Surrey with the momentum of a man who knows his game is clicking.
The four-time Major champion has already pocketed his second PLAYERS Championship and second Irish Open this season. Now, at 36, he’s chasing a second BMW PGA Championship title to add alongside his 2014 triumph.
“I feel like I’m playing two home events in a row,” McIlroy said. “Even since the win here in 2014, I’ve had a lot of close calls to get my name on the trophy again… I’ve had a good run here at Wentworth. Last week was great and I won, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m using this time to prepare for what’s coming in a couple weeks’ time.”
Familiar Foes, Familiar Turf
McIlroy won’t be lonely in the spotlight. For the opening rounds he’ll walk the fairways with Ryder Cup pals Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm. Lowry, who outlasted both men by a single shot in 2022, is also hunting a second title. Rahm, meanwhile, is Wentworth’s equivalent of a homing pigeon: in four starts, the Spaniard has never finished outside the top four.
“I feel comfortable every time I play this course,” Rahm said. “I don’t know exactly what it is but it’s a golf course I enjoy… It’s always a treat, and I hope I can keep the streak alive.”
A Veteran’s Touch
Then there’s Justin Rose, turning up for his 20th BMW PGA Championship just weeks after winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. At 44, Rose shows no signs of packing up the sticks.
“It’s nice when you lose count,” Rose joked. “Time flies when you’re having fun. I’m still very much enjoying my golf and the opportunity to keep getting better.”
Rose will be grouped with Tommy Fleetwood, fresh off his FedExCup-clinching win at East Lake, and defending champion Billy Horschel, who’s back in action after hip surgery.
Fleetwood, typically understated, is quietly relishing his return: “It’s nice being back at work. I think this is our flagship event… it feels nice to be somewhere familiar but also excited to get back to work.”
A Field Brimming with Storylines
This year’s BMW PGA Championship is shaping into a Ryder Cup reunion mixed with comeback tales. Rory McIlroy has the form and history to light up Wentworth again, Jon Rahm has unfinished business, Justin Rose is proving longevity is its own kind of weapon, and Tommy Fleetwood looks every bit the man ready to add another trophy to his summer of success.
If McIlroy can keep riding his Irish Open high, the only real danger may be the trophy engraver running out of room for all his silverware.
