BMW PGA Ch'ship preview
The European Tour hosts one of its most prestigious tournaments of the year over Wentworth's West Course. We have the full lowdown.
Tournament: BMW PGA Championship
Course: Wentworth Club ? West Course, Surrey
Prize fund: ?4,350,000
Course details: par 72, 7,320 yards. The West snakes through the forests of the Wentworth estate. Although the Tour players are familiar with this popular course, they are still adjusting to subtle changes local resident Ernie Els introduced to the original Harry Colt design.
Key hole: The closing holes on the West provide plenty of drama for the crowds and television audiences. Players will know that the par-5 17th and 18th demand low scoring. The 17th is a massive 610 yards. It presents the aggressive golfer with a chance of closing out a famous win with an eagle or throwing it all away by knocking one out of bounds.
The lowdown: Ernie Els has a short stroll from his house to the tee and will be hoping to turn his member?s knowledge into a real advantage. Padraig Harrington is playing for an added bonus of ?1 million this week, which is up for grabs for anyone that wins both the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship. Defending champion and Golf Monthly playing editor David Howell has unfortunately been forced to withdraw with a niggling back injury, although the world number 32 has said that he will be back soon. In his absence the in-form Ian Poulter could offer England?s best hope of success.
Contenders: Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Ian Poulter.
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