BMW PGA Championship host denies all rumours of being sold to LIV Golf financial backer

The owners of The Wentworth Club, the historic host of the DP World Tour's BMW PGA Championship, have categorically denied the sale of the facility to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The denial came in an exclusive interview with Golf Monthly.

The Wentworth Club is owned by the Reignwood Group, an investment company with a broad portfolio that includes consumer products, hotels, golf courses and travel agencies.

Company representatives had this to say to Golf Monthly:

"Wentworth Club can today confirm that these rumours are unfounded. Wentworth Club is not for sale. There have been numerous expressions of interests in buying Wentworth post COVID, but Reignwood is committed to its position of long-term investment in the asset."

They added:

"There has always been global interest coming directly or through agencies with expressions of interest in purchasing the Club. There has not been any direct dialogue between Wentworth Club and PIF on this topic."

The statement was made in response to recent claims made by English player Eddie Pepperell. Speaking as a guest on The Chipping Forecast podcast, Pepperell had this to say (via Golf Magic):

"I was told this week by someone who would know that they are buying Wentworth. The PIF are buying Wentworth, for sure. That's what I was told and they are [also] interested in buying Sunningdale [Golf Club]. Now that [Sunningdale] is more of a rumour but Wentworth..."

Reignwood Group representatives also assured that the group is not interested in PIF's involvement as an investor in Wentworth. They said the company is in good financial health and is committed to the future of the BMW PGA Championship venue.

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Wentworth's longstanding relationship with the BMW PGA Championship

The Wentworth Club has a long association with European professional golf, in fact the DP World Tour is headquartered at the club. The club has been home to the BMW PGA Championship since its inception in 1955 and has historically been regarded as the flagship event on the circuit.

The BMW PGA Championship has always attracted some of Europe's top players. Past winners include Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal, Colin Montgomerie and Rory McIlroy.

There has been no shortage of international stars in the field at the BMW PGA Championship. The legendary Arnold Palmer won in 1975 and Argentina's Vicente Fernandez in 1979. Australians Rodger Davis and Mike Harwood won in 1986 and 1990 respectively, and Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone followed suit in 1992.

It would take 13 editions for another non-European player to win the title. It was Angel Cabrera of Argentina (2005), who went on to win the US Open (2007) and the Masters Tournament (2009). Byeong Hun An (2015) and Billy Horschel (2021 and 2024) were the next to win.