BMW continues to back flagship event

The car giant extends its sponsorship of the PGA Championship until 2010.

Neil Tappin
By
published

Ever since the chief executive of the US Tour Tim Finchem unveiled the new FedEx Cup system, in which players compete through the season for the right to play in a grand, end-of-year showcase, fears have lingered over the implications for the European Tour. Enormous prize funds and bags of world ranking points to play for week-in, week-out, Stateside threaten to attract the world?s best players away from the European Tour?s most prestigious events.

However, these fears were relieved to some extent yesterday as BMW announced an extension to its sponsorship of the European Tour?s flagship event, the PGA Championship, until 2010. BMW has also pledged to increase the prize fund to almost £3 million with the winner picking up a record cheque for just under half a million pounds.

This news comes as a timely boost to the Tour as we wait to see how the introduction of the FedEx Cup shapes the schedules of the world?s best players. It is hoped BMW?s financial support will ensure that the PGA Championship continues to attract a world-class field despite taking place during the same week as the US Tour?s Crowne Plaza International at Colonial and just two weeks after the Players Championship.

England's David Howell (pictured) defends his title on Wentworth's West Course from May 24-27.

Neil Tappin
Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

Latest