Who Won the 2023 BMW Championship on the PGA Tour and European Tour?
The BMW Championship is one of the most prestigious events on both the PGA Tour and European Tour. In 2023, these tournaments provided dramatic storylines and incredible performances from some of the world’s best golfers. This post will cover who won the 2023 BMW Championship on the PGA Tour and European Tour, key details about their victories, and the significance of these events.
PGA Tour – 2023 BMW Championship Overview
The 2023 BMW Championship, the penultimate event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, took place from August 17-20 at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois. Only the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualified for this no-cut event.
With a rich history dating back to 1899 as the Western Open, the BMW Championship has seen legendary winners like Tiger Woods (5 times). It’s a tournament steeped in tradition and a crucial step towards the FedEx Cup finale.
Viktor Hovland Wins With Sensational Final Round 61
Norwegian star Viktor Hovland put on a masterclass performance in the final round, firing a course-record 61 to rally from three shots behind. His incredible nine-under par round included a breathtaking seven birdies on the back nine.
Hovland finished at 17-under 263, beating major champions Scottie Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick by two strokes. His clutch birdie stretch from holes 12-17 allowed him to surge past the leaders for his second PGA Tour win of 2023.
“That has to be the best round I’ve ever played,” Hovland said. “Given the circumstances – a playoff event, this golf course – the way I played the last holes was pretty special.”
Other Storylines and Standings Impact
While Hovland stole the show, Rory McIlroy’s fourth-place finish solidified his position near the top of the FedEx Cup standings heading to East Lake. Xander Schauffele’s T8 result earned him the last automatic spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Players like Tyrrell Hatton, Jordan Spieth, and Sepp Straka secured their places in the top 30 to advance to the Tour Championship. However, Sahith Theegala narrowly missed out despite a strong performance.
European Tour – 2023 BMW PGA Championship Recap
The European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, took place from September 14-17 at the legendary Wentworth Club in Virginia Water, England. The elite field featured all 12 members of the European Ryder Cup team.
With a storied history dating back to 1955, the BMW PGA Championship is one of the biggest events outside the majors. Countless European legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Colin Montgomerie have won this prestigious title.
Ryan Fox Perseveres to Win After Early Stumble
New Zealander Ryan Fox overcame an early triple bogey to claim his first BMW PGA Championship victory in dramatic fashion. Despite the setback on the third hole, Fox rebounded with a brilliant 31 on the back nine to finish at 18-under 270.
His stellar weekend rounds of 66-67 allowed him to edge out English stars Tyrrell Hatton and Aaron Rai by a single shot. Fox became the first golfer from New Zealand to win this historic event.
“I’ve always struggled a little bit around here,” Fox admitted. “To have a back nine like that, especially how I started, was amazing.”
Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy Strong Finishes
World No. 3 Jon Rahm and No. 2 Rory McIlroy turned in impressive performances at Wentworth. Rahm tied for fourth at 16-under, while McIlroy surged with a Sunday 65 to finish T7 at 13-under.
Their high finishes, along with those of other European Ryder Cup team members like Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood, provided a boost heading into the biennial matches against the U.S. in Rome.
What the Wins Mean for Hovland and Fox
Viktor Hovland’s BMW Championship triumph was his second big win of 2023 after capturing the Memorial Tournament in June. The 25-year-old Norwegian solidified his position as one of the game’s brightest young stars.
For Ryan Fox, his first BMW PGA Championship doubled as his fourth European Tour victory but most significant to date. In addition to the $1.53 million winner’s check, he earned exemptions into the next three Open Championships and 2024 U.S. Open.
History and Impact of the BMW Championships
While the two events bear the same name sponsor, their origins are quite different. The PGA Tour’s BMW Championship dates back to 1899 as the Western Open, making it one of the oldest tournaments in golf.
Meanwhile, the European Tour’s BMW PGA Championship was founded in 1955 by the Professional Golfers’ Association and served as the tour’s flagship event at its headquarters course at Wentworth.
Both tournaments share a tremendous charitable impact. Since 2007, the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship has raised over $45 million for the Evans Scholars Foundation, providing full college scholarships to deserving caddies.
The European event has helped grow the game across that continent for decades. Its top amateur alumni include major champions like Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose.
Conclusion
In 2023, Viktor Hovland and Ryan Fox etched their names in the history books as the winners of two of golf’s most prestigious championships – the BMW Championship on the PGA Tour and BMW PGA Championship on the European Tour, respectively.
Hovland’s epic Sunday 61 allowed the young Norwegian to rally from three back and capture his first FedEx Cup playoff event over major champions like Scottie Scheffler. His victory also locked up a spot at the Tour Championship.
Meanwhile, Fox survived an early triple bogey at Wentworth to edge out a pair of Englishmen in Hatton and Rai for his maiden BMW PGA Championship. The elite field featured top European Ryder Cup players like Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy.
Both the PGA Tour and European Tour’s BMW-sponsored events hold a revered place in the sport’s history and lore. They impact future major championship fields while supporting important causes like the Evans Scholars Foundation.
In 2023, Viktor Hovland and Ryan Fox added their names to the illustrious lists of BMW Championship and BMW PGA Championship winners with clutch performances on two of the world’s greatest stages.
