In the concluding competition prior to the Bethpage Black Ryder Cup, an individual affiliated with the European team, though not actively participating as a player, emerged victorious at the 2025 BMW PGA Championship. Alex Noren, recently appointed as vice captain by Luke Donald, secured his second BMW PGA Championship title.
Noren concluded the regulation play with a score of 19 under par before achieving a birdie on the initial playoff hole, surpassing Adrien Saddier to claim the championship. This victory signifies Noren’s third triumph in the Rolex Series and the 12th in his DP World Tour career. His 11th victory occurred just two competitions ago at the British Masters, marking his return to the winner’s circle twice in his last three tournaments following a seven-year period without a worldwide win.
“There are many emotions currently,” Noren expressed. “The playoff felt somewhat less stressful than navigating the 72nd hole, with slightly improved conditions. I believed my second shot would land in the water, but I was fortunate with a favorable break. The chip was positioned quite favorably, and I observed that his ball didn’t catch as nice of a break, which made a difference.”
Noren shared the 54-hole lead with Saddier as they entered the final round at Wentworth, owing to an eagle on the par-5 18th, which polished off Saturday’s play. The 43-year-old maintained his momentum into Sunday, making birdie on two of his initial four holes, thereby increasing his lead over his playing partner.
Conceding one on the par-3 4th, Noren maintained a narrow lead over the Frenchman as they both averted challenges from players like Aaron Rai and Patrick Reed, who were ahead on the course. Saddier achieved birdies on three of his initial five holes on the back nine, sufficient to draw level with Noren with only two holes remaining.
With the final two holes at Wentworth presenting as par 5s, Noren successfully rolled in a birdie attempt from a distance on the 17th, only to be matched by Saddier shortly thereafter. An exchange of pars on the final hole necessitated a return to the tee box for additional holes.
During the playoff, Noren attempted to reach the protected green with his second shot and benefited from a fortunate break when his ball settled short and to the left of the water hazard bordering the green. With Saddier positioned far from the surface, lying three, Noren perfectly chipped his third shot from just in front and tapped in for a birdie moments later, thereby securing another trophy.
Although Noren’s name will once again be inscribed on the BMW PGA Championship, the focus this week primarily centered on the 12 members of the European Ryder Cup team. Three of them, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, and Matt Fitzpatrick, finished within the top five, while Rory McIlroy concluded with a final-round score of 65, complemented by strong closing performances from Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood. Robert MacIntyre and Rasmus Højgaard were the only two players on the roster who failed to make the cut.
“I believe we are undoubtedly transitioning into Ryder Cup mode,” McIlroy remarked. “We enjoyed a very pleasant team dinner on Tuesday evening, which included the caddies, wives, and partners. We are preparing to depart on this practice trip to New York tonight.
“Indeed, there has been considerable discussion, dialogue, and contemplation regarding the Ryder Cup. However, one still desires to perform well this week. I witnessed glimpses of that. There were numerous birdies and eagles, but also a few too many bogeys and double-bogeys to secure a victory. Nevertheless, I am generally pleased with the week and, of course, very enthusiastic about what lies ahead in a couple of weeks.”
The European team will now journey to New York, where they intend to conduct a scouting trip to Bethpage Black. The team will engage with the Ryder Cup host course across two days and intends to remain in the United States for the entire week to acclimatize to the time zone disparity. It is not mandatory for all 12 members to remain together, as some may return to their residences on the East Coast within the U.S., while others will participate on various golf courses in the New York vicinity.
When the Ryder Cup commences, Europe will strive to become the first away team since 2012 to raise the cup on opposing land. Both McIlroy and Justin Rose were members of that European team which mounted a comeback from a 10 to 6 deficit on Sunday singles to astonish the Americans at Medinah. Their leader, captain Luke Donald, was also present.
“Well, it wouldn’t be unprecedented for miracles to occur twice. We must maintain faith,” Rahm commented regarding the prospect of winning the Ryder Cup on U.S. soil. “I believe we are performing sufficiently well and are a sufficiently capable and robust team to confront what we will encounter at Bethpage and, ideally, conclude with the Cup.”
