BMW PGA Championship to resume: What is the new format and tee times?
With earlier tee times and and a shortened format, the tournament is about to get a whole lot more intense as golfers batter for DP World Tour’s biggest prize.
Join us, as we take a look at the new format and tee time for the 2022 BMW PGA Championship this weekend.
Tee time changed for BMW PGA Championship
Having seen play halted on Thursday after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II was announced, the DP World Tour has since taken the decision to push forward with the remainder of the 2022 BMW PGA Championship. With that, play will now resume on Saturday at 6:40 a.m. local time in Surrey, England - 1:40 a.m. ET - as understandably, there are several groups still needing to finish their first rounds.
“The second round of the BMW PGA Championship will resume at 6:40 a.m. on Saturday morning and all original second round tee times will remain the same,” the DP World Tour said in a statement. “Those players who are yet to complete their first round will do so from 7:30 a.m. onwards from the place on the golf course where they stopped on Thursday afternoon.”
DP World Tour cuts the BMW PGA Championship to 54 holes
The major change to the tournament’s format is of course the quantity of holes that will be played. In keeping with the now shortened length of the tournament, the DP World Tour has cut down from the traditional 72 holes, to 54.
“The Rolex Series event will now be contested over 54 holes with the intention to finish on Sunday as scheduled,” the statement continued. “It is not possible to play the full 72 holes and finish on Monday as we cannot guarantee the staff, facilities or security of the venue on Monday due to the on-going plans for the state funeral. Across the weekend at Wentworth, black ribbons will be made available for people to wear and flags will continue to fly at half-mast.”
The effect of 54 holes on the BMW PGA Championship
As one can imagine, there is going to be a whole lot more riding on the opening rounds of 8-under 64. Consider the likes of Englishmen Andy Sullivan and Tommy Fleetwood along with Norwegian Viktor Hovland who are currently tied for the lead following the close of play on Thursday. With only 36 holes left to play, it goes without saying that fight to catch them is going become extremely intense for those in pursuit. Interestingly, the DP World Tour made no mention of any changes to the cut itself. That’s to say, it’s quite likely that it will take place after the initial 36 holes. Assuming that’s the case, expect to see stars like Rory McIlroy and defending champion Billy Horschel - both four strokes off - play golf like you’ve never seen as they won’t be backing down from a chance to win the tour’s major trophy.