The BMW Championship: The PGA TOUR’s Ultimate Playoff Battle
Why Should You Care About the BMW Championship?
Think of high-stakes golf, elite competition, and a ticket to the TOUR Championship—that’s the BMW Championship. As the penultimate event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, only the top 50 players battle for a spot in the season finale. With legendary courses, dramatic finishes, and historic performances, this tournament defines careers. If you love golf at its most intense, the BMW Championship is a must-watch.
What is the BMW Championship? A Quick Overview
The BMW Championship is one of the most critical stops on the PGA TOUR calendar, as the second event in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
- Field: The top 50 players from the FedEx Cup standings.
- Format: No cut—all 50 players compete for four rounds.
- Prize Fund: $20 million in 2024.
- Importance: The top 30 finishers advance to the TOUR Championship at East Lake.
- Venues: The tournament rotates among some of the most famous courses in the U.S.
The History: How It All Started
Originally known as the Western Open, this event dates back to 1899, making it one of the oldest tournaments in professional golf. In 2007, it was rebranded as the BMW Championship and became part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, instantly increasing its prestige.
The BMW Championship has been the site of some of the most legendary performances in golf history, including Tiger Woods’ unforgettable 2009 win and Jon Rahm’s dramatic 66-foot playoff putt in 2020.
Courses That Define the BMW Championship
The BMW Championship rotates among the best courses in the U.S., ensuring a unique challenge every year. Some of the most iconic venues include:
- Medinah Country Club (Illinois) – Known for Tiger Woods’ dominance and historic Ryder Cup moments.
- Olympia Fields Country Club (Illinois) – Hosted the 2003 U.S. Open and the dramatic 2020 BMW Championship.
- Caves Valley Golf Club (Maryland) – A birdie fest in 2021 that saw Patrick Cantlay outlast Bryson DeChambeau.
- Wilmington Country Club (Delaware) – First-time host in 2022, proving to be a great playoff test.
- Cherry Hills Country Club (Colorado) – Where Arnold Palmer staged his famous comeback in the 1960 U.S. Open.
Legendary Players Who Dominated the BMW Championship
Some of the greatest players in golf have thrived under playoff pressure at the BMW Championship:
- Tiger Woods – Five-time winner, including his dominant 2009 victory at Cog Hill.
- Dustin Johnson – His 30-under performance in 2020 is one of the lowest scores in PGA TOUR history.
- Justin Thomas – Won in 2019 at Medinah, dominating the field.
- Patrick Cantlay – Won back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, showcasing clutch playoff performances.
- Jon Rahm – Drained a 66-foot playoff putt in 2020 to defeat Dustin Johnson.
The Current Stars & Who to Watch
With the FedEx Cup on the line, the BMW Championship attracts the biggest names in golf. Keep an eye on:
- Scottie Scheffler – World No. 1 and a FedEx Cup powerhouse.
- Rory McIlroy – A two-time FedEx Cup winner, always dangerous in the playoffs.
- Xander Schauffele – A consistent performer who thrives under pressure.
- Viktor Hovland – Defending FedEx Cup champion and rising star.
- Ludvig Åberg – The young Swedish sensation making waves on TOUR.
Fun Facts & Crazy Records
- Lowest Score: Dustin Johnson’s -30 in 2020 tied the second-lowest 72-hole score in PGA TOUR history.
- Biggest Winning Margin: Tiger Woods won by 8 shots in 2009.
- Most Wins: Tiger Woods holds the record with five BMW Championship victories.
- Most Dramatic Moment: Jon Rahm’s 66-foot playoff putt to defeat Dustin Johnson in 2020.
- Most Unique Venue: In 2012, Crooked Stick Golf Club hosted the event, marking one of the few times a Pete Dye course was used for a playoff event.
The Good, the Bad & the Controversial
- The Good: The BMW Championship is a high-stakes, no-cut event that always delivers drama.
- The Bad: Some golf fans argue that the event loses its identity by rotating venues.
- The Controversial: The FedEx Cup playoff format has been criticized for making regular-season wins less valuable.
The Biggest Myths & Misconceptions
- “It’s just another FedEx Cup event” – No way! The BMW Championship is the last chance to qualify for the TOUR Championship.
- “The courses are always the same” – False! The rotating venues create fresh challenges every year.
- “Only big names win” – While stars dominate, surprises like Keegan Bradley (2018) and Camilo Villegas (2008) have happened.
What’s Next for the BMW Championship? Future Predictions
As one of the PGA TOUR’s most important events, the BMW Championship is set to keep growing:
- Even bigger prize purses – Expect the $25 million mark to be broken soon.
- New host courses – Could we see Pebble Beach or Pinehurst enter the rotation?
- More international presence – BMW’s global footprint could lead to a future event in Europe or Asia.
Final Thought: Why the BMW Championship is a Must-Watch
If you love high-stakes golf, playoff drama, and elite competition, the BMW Championship delivers every year. With FedEx Cup glory on the line, no cuts, and thrilling finishes, it’s one of the best events on the PGA TOUR. Will this year’s tournament produce another all-time great moment? There’s only one way to find out—tune in!
Would you rather win the BMW Championship in a playoff or shoot a tournament-record -30 like DJ? Let us know!
