The Penultimate Battle in the FedEx Cup Playoffs
Introduction
The BMW Championship is the second event in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, serving as the crucial penultimate stop before the Tour Championship. Featuring the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings, this high-stakes tournament determines which 30 players will advance to East Lake Golf Club for a shot at the FedEx Cup title.
First played in 1899 as the Western Open, the BMW Championship is the oldest non-major tournament on the PGA Tour. It has evolved into a prestigious playoff event, played on some of the finest golf courses in the U.S.
This article explores the history, format, legendary venues, past champions, and overall significance of the BMW Championship in professional golf.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the BMW Championship
Origins and Evolution
The BMW Championship was originally established as the Western Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf. It was rebranded as the BMW Championship in 2007, becoming a key component of the newly introduced FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Key Milestones
- 1899 – First edition played as the Western Open, won by Willie Smith.
- 1974 – Became part of the Western Golf Association (WGA).
- 2007 – Renamed the BMW Championship, part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
- 2022 – Patrick Cantlay becomes the first player to defend his title.
- 2023 – Viktor Hovland shoots a final-round 61 to claim victory.
Understanding the Format of the BMW Championship
Competition Format
- Field Size: Top 50 players from the FedEx Cup standings.
- 72-hole stroke play tournament over four days.
- No cut, ensuring all players compete for four rounds.
- Playoff Format: Sudden death if players are tied after 72 holes.
FedEx Cup Playoff Impact
- The top 30 players after the BMW Championship advance to the Tour Championship.
- The winner receives a significant FedEx Cup points boost, increasing their chances of claiming the $75 million prize pool.
🏌️♂️ GOAT Tour Hub
Iconic BMW Championship Venues
The BMW Championship is played on a rotating set of elite golf courses, each offering its own unique challenge.
Notable Courses
- Olympia Fields Country Club (Illinois) – Hosted multiple majors and FedEx Cup Playoff events.
- Medinah Country Club (Illinois) – Historic Ryder Cup and major championship venue.
- Conway Farms Golf Club (Illinois) – Hosted the event three times since 2013.
- Caves Valley Golf Club (Maryland) – Site of the record-breaking 2021 edition.
- Wilmington Country Club (Delaware) – Hosted in 2022 for the first time.
2024 BMW Championship Venue
- Castle Pines Golf Club (Colorado) – First-time host of the BMW Championship.
🏆 Recent BMW Championship Winners (2020-2024)
2024 Champion: Keegan Bradley
- Score: 276 (−12)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke.
- Key Highlights: Led wire-to-wire, securing victory despite a final-round 72.
2023 Champion: Viktor Hovland
- Score: 261 (-17)
- Winning Margin: 2 strokes over Scottie Scheffler.
- Key Highlights: Set a course record 61 in the final round.
2022 Champion: Patrick Cantlay
- Score: 270 (-14)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke over Scott Stallings.
- Key Highlights: Became the first player to win back-to-back BMW Championships.
2021 Champion: Patrick Cantlay
- Score: 261 (-27)
- Winning Margin: Playoff win over Bryson DeChambeau.
- Key Highlights: One of the greatest playoffs in FedEx Cup history.
2020 Champion: Jon Rahm
- Score: 276 (-4)
- Winning Margin: Playoff win over Dustin Johnson.
- Key Highlights: Sank a 66-foot putt to win in sudden death.
Golfing Icons & Their Triumphs at the BMW Championship
Most Wins at the BMW Championship
- Walter Hagen (5 titles) – 1916, 1919, 1921, 1926, 1927.
- Tiger Woods (5 titles) – 1997, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2009.
- Patrick Cantlay (2 titles) – 2021, 2022.
Memorable Moments
- Jon Rahm’s 66-Foot Putt (2020) – One of the most dramatic putts in playoff history.
- Patrick Cantlay vs. Bryson DeChambeau (2021) – Epic six-hole playoff.
- Viktor Hovland’s Record 61 (2023) – Lowest final round in BMW Championship history.
Traditions & The BMW Championship Trophy
Notable Traditions
- The J.K. Wadley Trophy – Originally awarded to the Western Open winner, now part of the BMW Championship.
- Elite Field – Only the top 50 FedEx Cup players compete.
- No Cut Format – Ensures four rounds of high-stakes competition.
Record-Breaking Performances & Interesting Facts
- Lowest Winning Score: 261 (-27) – Patrick Cantlay (2021).
- Largest Winning Margin: 8 strokes – Tiger Woods (2009).
- Youngest Winner: Rory McIlroy (2012) at 23 years old.
Why the BMW Championship Matters in Global Golf
- Determines the Top 30 Players for the Tour Championship.
- High-Stakes Playoff Drama, featuring elite competition.
- Historic Event, tracing its roots back to the Western Open (1899).
- Significant FedEx Cup Points, crucial for the season finale.
Final Thoughts
The BMW Championship is a tournament where legends are made and FedEx Cup dreams are either realized or shattered. With a rich history, elite venues, and high-pressure stakes, it remains one of the most thrilling events on the PGA Tour calendar.
