Sudden-Death Drama Crowns Champion at 2025 BMW PGA Championship

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Alex Noren of Sweden looks on as Adrien Saddier of France putts on the 18th green during the first playoff hole on day four of the BMW PGA Championship 2025 at Wentworth Golf Club on September 14.

The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club–one of the flagship events on the DP World Tour–delivered a dramatic finish in 2025, as Sweden’s Alex Noren prevailed over France’s Adrien Saddier after a playoff.

Both players finished the regulation 72 holes at a blistering 19-under par 269, tying for the lead and forcing the extra session. Noren, a former winner at Wentworth (2017), leveraged course knowledge, steady nerves, and a clutch short game to secure the title.

The Back-Nine Surge and Other Chasers

Noren and Saddier shared the lead, but the pressure was on. Tyrrell Hatton made one last push, that brought him within striking distance, finishing at 15 under and teeing for fifth place.

Viktor Hovland, meanwhile, kept things steady in more volatile conditions, ending up 15 under and solidly in the mix.

Other contenders included Aaron Rai and Patrick Reed, both finishing at 16 under in a tie for third, as well as strong showings by Si Woo Kim and Matt Fitzpatrick at -15.

The leaderboard was deep, underscoring just how competitive the field was at Wentworth this week.

Turning Points: Eagle, Momentum, and Nerves

A few key moments swung the week. Noren’s eagle on the 18th in his Saturday round helped him stay in striking position going into the final day.

Hatton’s Sunday charge was defined by a birdie spree late in the round–a run of seven birdies in his final 10 holes made him one of the hottest players on the course, and rekindled a serious bid for the title.

Meanwhile, weather and course setup at Wentworth seemed to reward aggressive but intelligent play; players who timed their charges right, and avoided bogeys, were the ones who made noise down the stretch. Noren’s experience and composure proved decisive when the pressure hit in extras.

Noren’s Return to the Top

For Noren, this victory was more than just another title; it marked a return to form on a course that suits his game well, showcasing both his ball-striking prowess and his poise under pressure.

Saddier, likewise, proved he’s a serious contender on tour. Matching Noren shot for shot over four rounds, and holding a share of the lead going into the final day, is no small feat–especially when the opposition includes seasoned Ryder Cup competitors and major winners.

The playoff, ultimately won by the Swede, might come down to the finer margins, but it also speaks volumes about Noren’s resilience and clutch gene.

“I felt the playoff was easier, condition wise, than the 72nd hole,” Noren said. “I thought I hit that one in the water, but I had a great lie. I was fortunate with a good break, as my ball was sitting nicely …

“Sometimes you have to fight and today was like that.”

What’s Next

From a DP World Tour standpoint, Noren’s win at a premier event like the BMW PGA Championship reinforces the depth and intrigue at the top of European golf. Ryder Cup implications are clear, and confidence will be high heading toward the season’s final stretch.

“I like coming back to Europe and trusted the process,” Noren said. “In terms of the Ryder Cup (Noren is a European vice-captain) the other guys have been playing better than me. I’m really looking forward to that match, I can’t wait.”

Saddier, now firmly on the radar after a strong fight, will have the boost of belief that he can contend week in and week out. And players like Hatton, Hovland, and Fitzpatrick showed that even when a win doesn’t materialize, serious momentum can be built.

As we look ahead, the Ryder Cup (Sept. 26-28) will be the next big event, and the closing weeks of the DP World Tour calendar are approaching. Momentum from Wentworth will carry huge weight, as players jostle for form, confidence, and spots on their national teams heading into golf’s biggest stage.

Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski