It’s the golfing event of the year on The European Tour – and has increasingly become the social event of the year as well.
The BMW PGA Championship 2012 at Wentworth Club is not only the Flagship Event on the course, but a colourful, innovative extravaganza off it with a full range of entertainment for all ages.
Fancy a bit of celebrity spotting? No problem. The BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday is the place to be with stars of stage, screen and all areas of the sporting spectrum taking part in the two ‘shotgun starts’ at 8am and 1pm.
This year’s Pro-Am is bigger and better than ever with over 30 celebrities taking on the famed West Course in the company of global golfing stars such as World Number One, Rory McIlroy, defending Champion Luke Donald (Number Two), Open Champion Darren Clarke and one of the world’s most compelling and consistent performers, Lee Westwood, currently third in the world.
From the world of football, there is Roberto Di Matteo, the new hero of Stamford Bridge, who led his Chelsea side to a first Champions League victory over Bayern Munich; his fellow Italian and Chelsea colleague Gianfranco Zola will also be there with Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish.
Olympians Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Ben Ainslie and Kris Akabusi will be there alongside Sir Clive Woodward, Matt Dawson and Will Greenwood from the world of rugby, Tim Henman and Peter Fleming from tennis, Ron Dennis and Troy Corser from motorsport and jockeys AP McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Carl Llewellyn.
Sir Bruce Forsyth will be tripping the light fantastic with another Strictly Come Dancing favourites, Anton Du Beke and Chris Hollins of the BBC. Radio presenter Chris Evans will be playing his favourite sport along with TV game show host Vernon Kay and celebrity chef Jason Atherton.
As always, the tented village at Wentworth Club offers an endless stream of activities to keep young and old occupied when taking a break from the thrill of watching the world’s best in action. In fact, having marvelled at their skills, you can hear them talk about the game and field questions of a multitude of topics in a daily dose of ‘Cotter’s Questions’, hosted by BBC golf commentator Andrew Cotter.
A new innovation for 2012 is ‘Banter with Boxy’ – otherwise known as Sky Sports commentator Richard Boxall, who will host a Q & A with a number of celebrities from all walks of life every afternoon during the event.
The Village also features the BMW Owners’ Lounge, with its smart Bistro being run by Jason Atherton and serving breakfast and lunch; and a number of interactive challenges such as the EA Sports Dug Out – also new for 2012 – and BMW’s hugely popular remote controlled cars. There are free golf lessons courtesy of Nike, a putting challenge, four big screens on which to follow the golf, a free public crèche, the BMW Lifestyle Merchandise Shop in the BMW PGA Championship Exhibition adjacent to the Hugo Boss store.
When hunger and thirst kick in, the Tented Village is a welcoming place to enjoy the Moët Bar and Brasserie, the new Warsteiner Lounge and Theatre of Food, with a wide range of items to tickle the tastebuds.
And finally….when the action has ceased and the cheers have died over the weekend, it’s time for the party to begin as the All Stars Band take to the main stage in the Village to entertain the crowds at happy Hour with Golf Ireland – Time to play.
Championship Director, Jamie Birkmyre, said: “There really is something for everything at the BMW PGA Championship this year. The Pro-Am provides a wonderful opportunity to see the players close up and in relaxed mode and to check out the golfing prowess of numerous celebrities from all walks of life. The Tented Village offers a wide range of activities, so even of some family members are not deeply into the golf, there is no shortage of enjoyable and fun things to take part in.”
More than 93,000 people flocked through the gates in the tournament week last year, and once again demand for tickets will be high. Tickets are available atwww.europeantour.com/tickets, or via the ticket hotline on +44 (0)800 023 2557. A limited number of tables in corporate hospitality remain for Saturday 26 May. Please emailtickets@europeantour.comfor further information.
Spectators who buy their tickets in advance of the tournament will be sent a car park pass to a designated car park. Please follow signs to ENTRANCE 2. Directional signage will then lead you to your car park.
Follow all the action from the tournament on Twitter at @BMWPGA2012
