BMW Championship Tournament History | From Legendary Western Open Roots to Premier Playoff Event
BMW Championship Tournament History: The BMW Championship stands today as the penultimate stop on the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs, but its roots stretch back to 1899 under its original name, the Western Open. Rebranded in 2007 when BMW became title sponsor, the event carries forward a rich heritage of elite competition and Midwest tradition.
Table of Contents
BMW Championship Tournament History: The Western Open (1899–2006)
The tournament debuted in September 1899 as the Western Open, making it the third-oldest active event on the PGA schedule—behind only The Open and the U.S. Open. It was long considered, by players and media alike, nearly a major in stature. Held primarily in the Chicago region, its champions included golfing legends like Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson .
Transition to BMW Championship
In 2007, marking a landmark shift, the event became the BMW Championship. Managed by the Western Golf Association—which also continues its signature Evans Scholars program—the tournament was elevated to FedExCup second-leg status, featuring a 70-player elite field. No cut is enforced, ensuring all qualifiers play four rounds.
A Proven Standout in Playoff Golf
Quickly gaining acclaim, the BMW Championship was honored as PGA Tour “Tournament of the Year” in 2012, 2013, and 2014—a testament to its challenging formats, venue rotations, and professional prestige . The event remains the final opportunity for players to secure a spot in the Tour Championship at East Lake.
Legends and Their Milestones
The champion’s list reads like golfing royalty: Tiger Woods (multiple-time winner), Rory McIlroy (2012), Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay, and newcomer Viktor Hovland among many others. Historic ties span eras—from Walter Hagen’s five Western Open wins to Woods’s playoff dominance as BMW champion.
Iconic Venues, Flexible Legacy
Unlike fixed majors, the BMW Championship is played at rotating premium courses—Cog Hill, Olympia Fields, Medinah, Caves Valley, and Bellerive have all hosted. This flexibility maintains competitive challenge and showcases diverse U.S. golf landscapes.
2025 Outlook & Why it Matters
As the second-to-last FedExCup playoff event, 2025’s BMW Championship holds critical playoff implications. With only the top 50 (soon to be 50–70) PGA Tour players competing, every shot contributes either to securing a Tour Championship spot or ending the season. Its legacy, format, and high stakes make it a must-watch, must-attend tournament .
Step Into a Century of Tradition
The BMW Championship isn’t just a tournament—it’s a living legend. From its deep Western Open roots to its pivotal playoff role, it remains unmatched in history, caliber, and excitement.
Plan your 2025 BMW Championship experience now—witness dramactic golf, honor rich tradition, and feel the playoff pressure unfold live.
Discover more about FedEx St. Jude Championship – Tournament History