+++ The Irishman triumphs at Wentworth Club to claim his first tournament win since the 2019 Open +++ BMW PGA Championship reduced to 54 holes +++ Players, spectators and staff demonstrate respect and affection for the late Queen +++ BMW donates £22,790 to mental health charity CALM +++ 89,934 spectators visit DP World Tour’s flagship event +++
Wentworth/Munich. Shane Lowry won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club with scores of 66, 68 and 65 for a total of 199 (-17). This was Lowry’s sixth victory on the DP World Tour, his second at a Rolex Series event, and his first at the BMW PGA Championship at the 13th attempt. After 54 holes of golf, the Irishman finished one stroke clear of former world number ones Rory McIlroy (NIR) and Jon Rahm (ESP). Lowry and his caddy Bo Martin did not drop a single shot over the course of the week. The tournament was suspended on Thursday evening and all play on Friday was cancelled. That also meant the tournament was contested over three instead of four rounds.
Play continued on Saturday, including a two-minute silence across the venue to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Although concerts and entertainment in the Tournament Village were cancelled for the weekend, the sporting excellence was exciting as it could be, climaxing with a thrilling final round on Sunday.
“The 18th BMW PGA Championship has been unlike any before, following the sad loss of Her Majesty the Queen, and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family at this time of national and international mourning. The tournament has adapted its programme to pay fitting tribute to her,” said Tomás Valero Ribes, Chief Financial Officer at BMW Group UK.
“I would like to congratulate Shane Lowry on winning the 2022 BMW PGA Championship. He gave an outstanding performance to beat a world-class field and is a well-deserved champion. A great thank you to all the supporters, volunteers, fans and everyone involved for their contribution to make this tournament a success under these circumstances. Also, a special note to all the generous donations to the inspiring mental health charity, CALM, throughout the event. We are proud to support this cause,” Valero Ribes concluded.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably charity’s mission is to promote conversation around mental health and to prevent suicide. BMW UK donated £10 for every birdie and £100 to every eagle. The 1439 birdies and 84 eagles scored at the BMW PGA Championship amounted to £22,790.
After 36 holes, Lowry trailed leaders Viktor Hovland and Søren Kjeldsen by two shots going into the final round. While the Norwegian and Dane (both -14, T5) were unable to back up their strong opening two rounds on Sunday, the 2019 Open champion shot seven under par for the day, and came through some challenging situations without dropping a shot, to clinch victory with a birdie on the 18th hole.
“I’ve waited to win the BMW PGA Championship since 2010. I’ve had a few chances in the past, but I am over the moon to finally get it done,” Lowry said. “I can’t really put it into words how I feel. I said to my coach this morning that I need to allow myself to just play my golf. I am playing some of the best golf of my life right now.”
Jon Rahm, who carded a brilliant 62 (-10) on the final day, was the clubhouse leader for a long time before being replaced by Lowry. Once the Irishman had finished his round, the only player who could deny him the coveted title was McIlroy, who still had one hole to play. The newly-crowned FedExCup champion needed an eagle on the 18th to force a play-off. However, luck was not on the side of the four-time major winner, whose putt for eagle came to a stop at the edge of the hole.
The 2022 BMW PGA Championship also marked the start of qualification for the twelve spots on the European Ryder Cup 2023. The event will take place from 25th September to 1st October at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome. BMW is Worldwide Partner for this unique team competition between Europe and the USA which captivates sports fans all around the world every two years.