Australians Peter Lonard and Nick O’Hern will aim to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Oldcorn (2001), Anders Hansen (2002) and defending champion, Scott Drummond, by making the BMW Championship – the PGA Championship – their first victory on The European Tour International Schedule.
Lonard, who won the MCI Heritage at Hilton Head Island on the US PGA Tour last month, returns to The European Tour to challenge for the BMW Championship over the West Course at Wentworth Club, Surrey, England, from May 26-29. He and O’Hern will attempt to become the third Australian to capture the title following the successes of Rodger Davis (1986) and Mike Harwood (1990).
The Australian pair are among 15 of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking who will tee up at Wentworth Club in The European Tour’s flagship event. Lonard has moved to 28th in the world and O’Hern 30th on the strength of some outstanding finishes.
World Number Three, Ernie Els and fellow South African, Retief Goosen, who is fifth, head a high quality field for the 2005 BMW Championship.
Others in the top 50, who will be vying for one of the most prestigious titles in world golf, are: Padraig Harrington (ninth), Luke Donald (11th), Darren Clarke (13th), Miguel Angel Jiménez (19th), Thomas Björn (22nd), Angel Cabrera (31st), Lee Westwood (33rd), David Howell (37th), Graeme McDowell (40th), Paul Casey (48th) and Ian Poulter (49th).
