Wentworth assignment for Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will compete in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in September.

The Northern Irishman finished second last year and is hoping to go one better in the event, which has moved from its traditional May date to September 19-22.

McIlroy will come up against defending champion Francesco Moliarni, as well as Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, with more big names set to sign up in the weeks ahead.

“The BMW PGA Championship is always a great event and I’m looking forward to playing in it again, particularly in its new September date,” McIlroy said. “The West Course should be in superb condition and the change in date should also mean an even stronger field.

“I’ve won at Wentworth before and finished second behind Frankie [Francesco Molinari] last year, so hopefully I can do well again and also get off to a good start in the Ryder Cup qualification.”

McIlroy has enjoyed a strong 2019 so far, with wins in the Players Championship and RBC Canadian Open, but he has struggled at the majors. The 30-year-old missed the cut at The Open Championship and has failed to register a top-five finish in any of the four majors for the first time since 2013.

McIlroy is likely to be part of the Europe team for next year’s Ryder Cup and they are 2.30 to win the biennial event. The USA can be backed at 1.70 and a draw is 23.00.