When Patrick Cantlay outlasted Bryson DeChambeau in a heart-stopping, six-hole playoff to win the 2021 BMW Championship, a sports moment for the ages was etched forever in the memory of every golf fan watching around the 18th hole or on television around the world.
“It was an instant classic,” recalled Vince Pellegrino, senior vice president of tournaments for the Western Golf Association. “The support from the Baltimore-area business and golfing community, the many sponsors, volunteers and host partner a Valley Golf Club exceeded all expectations. Plus, we raised a then-record $5.6 million to benefit our signature charity, the Evans Scholars Foundation. It made our decision to return to this area that much easier.”
The WGA-run BMW Championship returns to Caves Valley from Aug. 12-17. The tournament’s roots date back to the debut of the original Western Open in 1899, making it the third-oldest tournament on the PGA Tour behind the British Open and U.S. Open. In addition to having previous winners such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, the tournament itself has won the Tour’s prestigious “Tournament of the Year” six times (2008, 2012, 2013, 2013-14, 2023 and 2024).
The numbers say it all.
“The 2021 BMW was a major success by any metric,” Caves Valley chairman and president Steve Fader said. “The challenge of the course, the fan-friendly amenities and economic impact made this a milestone event for the entire Baltimore area.”
Final figures show that the event drew more than 130,000 fans in 2021 and resulted in a direct economic impact on the area of $53.5 million.
Fader expects to build on those numbers this year. Corporate hospitality sales are outpacing 2021, with limited options remaining. The competition promises to be at the highest level once again, making this a must-go, must-see event.
The BMW Championship is more than just another stop on the PGA Tour. It is the penultimate event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs.
The FedEx Cup, with its $25 million first prize, is considered by many to be the hardest trophy in golf to win. In previous years, the BMW brought together the top 70 players, with only 50 qualifying for the FedEx Cup finals. This year’s BMW will feature a field of the top 50 players who will be vying for a spot in the top 30 of players who will compete in the FedEx Cup finals. First prize in the BMW Championship is $3.6 million.
Driven By Philanthropy
Adding to the significance of the BMW Championship is the philanthropic partnership it shares with the nationally acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation whose mission is to send deserving young caddies to college by providing full tuition and housing.
Established in 1930 by the Western Golf Association and celebrated amateur Charles “Chick” Evans, the Foundation oversees the largest scholarship program for caddies.
WGA chairman Steve Colnitis said that since 2007, when BMW took over sponsorship of what was then the Western Open, this event has raised more than $60 million to support student caddies.
“Since 1930, more than 12,285 students have graduated from college as Evans Scholars,” Colnitis said. “Today, there are 1,190 scholars enrolled at 24 leading universities nationwide.”
Colnitis added that the ESF is looking to increase its East Coast presence at local universities, especially at the University of Maryland. That hope is now becoming a reality.
In 2021, Caves Valley organizational leaders celebrated the first official class of Evans Scholars enrolling at Maryland.
“Unlike a lot of golf clubs, philanthropy through the Caves Valley Foundation is a major component of our club’s mission and has always been a priority,” Fader said.
That commitment will be on display when Caves Valley, ESF and BMW celebrate the grand opening of the Caves Valley Evans Scholarship House at the University of Maryland with a ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to the first day of the tournament. Evans Scholars at live and work together in scholarship houses at universities across the country.
Reaching A Higher Level
Caves Valley is a world-class venue that promises to test the will and ability of the game’s top competitors. Players and fans will be awed by the 962 acres of rolling hills, lush pastures, woods and wetlands. It forms a spectacular setting for a course that has been consistently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top courses in the United States.
Yet even the finest of venues can use a tweak here and there.
“We worked hard on the course over the past year,” Fader said. “We installed in time for the upcoming BMW event a precision air system under every green. This system monitors the temperature and helps control the moisture … keeping the greens firm and fast even in case of rain.”
Other course changes include the addition of a subtle “dog leg” to the first hole, adding a few more yards to the opening par 4. The second hole — a par 5 for the members — will play as a par 4 for the BMW Championship with a back tee that can stretch the hole to 525 yards.
“It’s challenging without being tricked up,” Fader said. “We added a little more yardage, but it’s still a par 70.”
And for fans who may find it a little hard to walk the whole 18, Fader recommended taking advantage of the proximity of the greens and tee boxes to each other at holes 16, 17 and 18.
Fans can expect ample and varied concessions, merchandise venues and comfort stations throughout the course.
“It’s the only major sporting event where they build a city of hospitality,” Fader said.
The tournament offers a variety of ticket options. Fans can choose from Daily Grounds, upgraded Trophy Club and all-inclusive hospitality tickets.
All kids 15 and under receive free grounds admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Young fans can also check out the autograph zone and a free junior golf clinic.
All active duty military, retirees, active reserve and veterans receive complimentary admission.
For information about purchasing tickets, amenities and volunteer opportunities, visit bmwchampionship.com.
“We had great success in 2021,” Pellegrino said. “Now we have an opportunity to build on that success.”
And another six-hole playoff wouldn’t hurt.
Photo Credit: Charles Cherney
Issue 293: June / July 2025
Originally published June 18, 2025
