Sweden’s Alex Noren birdied the first playoff hole to defeat France’s Adrien Saddier and claim his second BMW PGA Championship title at Wentworth Golf Club, the DP World Tour’s flagship Rolex Series event.
The 43-year-old vice-captain for Europe’s Ryder Cup team finished regulation at 19-under par 269, matching Saddier after both posted final-round 4-under 68s in steady rain and pocketed $1.53 million from the $9 million purse. Saddier, winless since the Italian Open, earned $930,000 for second.
Noren, seeking his 12th DP World Tour victory and fresh off last month’s British Masters win, turned a mishit into magic on the par-5 18th extra hole. After finding rough short of a stream, he chipped to 3 feet for birdie, while Saddier settled for par after an aggressive drive.
“It was tough conditions, but I stayed patient,” Noren said post-win, confirming he’ll join the Ryder Cup squad in New York despite not being a player.
Patrick Reed (66) and Aaron Rai (66) tied for third at 16 under, as the tournament delivered drama ahead of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
The event featured 11 European Ryder Cup team members, including Matt Fitzpatrick (67), Viktor Hovland (69) and Tyrrell Hatton (70) who tied for fifth at 15 under, but Noren upstaged them all in his 2017 repeat.
