BMW PGA Championship 2021 preview: TV times and betting tips
With the incredible scenes at the Solheim Cup fresh in the memory, we roll on towards the Ryder Cup with the European Tour’s flagship event at HQ. The BMW PGA Championship is one of my favourite stops on tour, and with a strong field assembled at Wentworth it has been tough to narrow the field down to just three picks. However, three names just about stood out above the rest for me, and at some very generous prices they are sure to appeal to you too. But first…
The details
Venue: Wentworth, Surrey, England
Date: September 9-12, 2021
Course stats: Par 72; 7,284 yards
Course summary: This iconic Harry Colt design is a picturesque course that is easily recognisable to golf fans all over the world. This venue is a challenging heathland track, with tight undulating fairways. The main defences are wind, strategically placed bunkers, and thick rough.
Purse: $8 million
Defending champion: Tyrrell Hatton (-19)
BMW PGA Championship TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sport Golf and Main Event from 8.30am
Friday: Sky Sport Golf from 11.30am and Main Event from 8.30am
Saturday: Sky Sport Golf and Main Event from 9am
Sunday: Sky Sport Golf and Main Event from 9am
BMW PGA Championship: Staking Plan
Bazza’s Banker: Tommy Fleetwood @ 22/1 with bet365
Last week will definitely go down as a missed opportunity for Fleetwood, as he was in prime position to challenge for another European Tour win in Italy. He was actually in a similar situation at Wentworth last year, with a poor final round of 73 killing his chances after three solid rounds. Still, that course form is encouraging, and taking the positives from Fleetwood’s recent outings certainly raises the optimism that he is getting back to his best.
A runner-up finish in Italy last time out, along with a solid performance at the Olympic Games, is evidence that Fleetwood is moving in the right direction. He also ranked 2nd for SG: Putting in Rome last week, and we all know how dangerous Tommy can be when he gets the putter firing.
Robert MacIntyre – @ 50/1 with bet365
When thinking of the type of player who could win an event such as this, Robert MacIntyre is certainly a name that springs to mind. A generous price makes him all the more appealing, and when you consider he was 8th at the Open Championship and typically performs well in Europe – he becomes a very appealing option.
The Scotsman has really progressed in the last couple of years, breaking into the world top-50 and making his debut in each of the major championships. Having said that, he still only has the one European Tour win to his name, and that will be something he will be looking to change. MacIntyre currently ranks 5th for SG: Tee-to-green and 13th for SG: Around-the-green this season, so is perhaps just a good putting performance away from doing just that. Where better to make it happen than at HQ?
Sam Horsfield – @ 70/1 with bet365
Despite bombing at the European Masters a couple of weeks ago when selected as Bazza’s Banker, and vying for favouritism I might add, Sam Horsfield should never be more than double the price in comparison. Horsfield rectified some mistakes last time out to finish a respectable T15 in Italy, ranking 6th for SG: Approach and gaining small margins on the field from-the-tee and on the putting surfaces.
Horsfield remains the 5th ranked player on tour this season for SG: Total, and finished 5th in a similar strength field at the BMW International Open just a few starts ago. This selection screams value for me and with good place offerings available I think he is a great each-way bet.
For more prices, visit bet365.
