subject: Wonder Of Wentworth [print this page] The BMW PGA Championship remains one of the European Tour's flagship events with Wentworth a glittering star on its orbit across Europe and the Far East. Instantly recognisable after years of being televised, Wentworth and its legendary West Course is embedded into every golfer's consciousness.
More recently modern greats such as Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie have excelled over this heathland paradise that weaves its away across the Surrey countryside.
The West Course long association with the World Matchplay began in 1964 while the PGA Championship has been an annual visitor since 1984.
In recent years the course has ridden with the times and been updated and modernised by Ernie Els. The South African who has a house on the estate and more World Matchplay and PGA titles to his name than he probably cares to remember, has extensively re-bunkered and lengthened certain holes, staying true to the original designs of Colt.
"I honestly think we've succeeded in making a great course even better. Hopefully, Harry Colt is up there somewhere and looking down on us with a nod of approval," says Els of his efforts.
The West Course was designed by acclaimed architect Harry Colt and opened in 1927. It enjoys a rich history of tournament golf and indeed can lay claim to a key role in the birth of golf's most famous competition the Ryder Cup which famously grew out of an informal match between Americans and Britons that was played in 1926 at Wentworth.
It was during this match that the incomparable Bobby Jones shot at immaculate 66 with 33 shots and 33 putts, taking 33 shots going out and 33 coming in.
"We should do this again," Samuel Ryder remarked later in the Wentworth bar, so he donated a trophy and a tradition was born. Wentworth went on to host the Ryder Cup in 1953 where the Voice of Golf Peter Alliss lost a crucial singles to hand America victory by 6 to 5 .
More recently modern greats such as Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie have excelled over this heathland paradise that weaves its away across the Surrey countryside.
The West Course long association with the World Matchplay began in 1964 while the PGA Championship has been an annual visitor since 1984.
In recent years the course has ridden with the times and been updated and modernised by Ernie Els. The South African who has a house on the estate and more World Matchplay and PGA titles to his name than he probably cares to remember, has extensively re-bunkered and lengthened certain holes, staying true to the original designs of Colt.
"I honestly think we've succeeded in making a great course even better. Hopefully, Harry Colt is up there somewhere and looking down on us with a nod of approval," says Els of his efforts.
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