Fatti chiave sul Wentworth Club: Ospite di fama mondiale del BMW PGA Championship
Nestled in the picturesque county of Surrey, the Wentworth Club boasts a rich and storied history in the world of golf. Established in 1923, the club has proudly hosted some of the game's biggest events since the opening of its first course, the Harry Colt-designed East Course, in 1924.
The club's gothic-style clubhouse, originally known as "Wentworths," was built in 1805. Over the years, the club has expanded to include three 18-hole courses: the East Course, the West Course (also known as Burma Road), and the Edinburgh Course, which opened in 1990 and was designed by John Jacobs with Bernard Gallacher and Gary Player.
One of the most prestigious events held at Wentworth is the Curtis Cup, a women's amateur golf team event contested biennially between teams from the United States and Great Britain and Ireland. The first Curtis Cup was held in 1932, and the East Course had the honour of hosting the inaugural edition.
Another significant event in Wentworth's history is the Ryder Cup, a golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. The idea for the Ryder Cup was conceived at Wentworth in 1926. The West Course hosted the Ryder Cup in 1953, and the Edinburgh Course has been the venue for tournaments in the Rose Ladies Series.
The BMW PGA Championship is another golf tournament that has been held at Wentworth since 1972, with a gap between 1974 and 1983. The West Course has been the permanent home of the DP World Tour's flagship event since 1984. The controversial renovations led to criticism, particularly of the eighth and 18th green complexes, but every winner of the tournament at Wentworth is encouraged to contribute a golf club to be displayed in its own glass case at the clubhouse.
Wentworth has also hosted some of the game's biggest events, including the Ryder Cup, the World Cup, the HSBC World Match Play Championship, and the BMW PGA Championship. The HSBC World Match Play Championship was first held in 1964 and was held at Wentworth between 1964 and 2007. The West Course also hosted 17 editions of the Daks Tournament, which preceded the European Tour, with the 1952 edition being the first televised golf event.
The club has had many famous residents and members, including golfers such as Ernie Els, Justin Rose, and Rory McIlroy, as well as celebrities from the wider sports world and entertainment industry. Ernie Els, a four-time Major winner, has undertaken two renovations of the West Course at Wentworth, the first in 2010 and the second in 2016.
Wentworth Club also serves as the headquarters of the Official World Golf Ranking. The membership fee at Wentworth is reportedly around £175,000 ($237,000), with annual dues standing at £16,000 ($22,000) as of 2015. Until 2014, Wentworth was open to the public, but a buyout for £135m ($183m) by Beijing investment company Reignwood Group led to a debenture membership structure and a significant reduction in membership numbers.
In 2018, the clubhouse underwent a $13m (£18m) refurbishment, which included the addition of two new private dining rooms - the East and West. The membership fee at Wentworth is reportedly around £175,000 ($237,000), with annual dues standing at £16,000 ($22,000) as of 2015.
The West Course has been the scene of controversy, as the rich and famous have taken up residence there. Surrey, where Wentworth is located, is also home to several renowned golf courses, including Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, Queenwood, Woking, West Hill, Worplesdon, The Berkshire, and Hankley Common.
Overall, the Wentworth Club stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of golf and its rich history in Surrey. From its gothic-style clubhouse to its three challenging courses, Wentworth has cemented its place as one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world.
