PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The BMW Championship (Chicago, Illinois) was honored at the PGA TOUR’s annual Tournament Meetings on Dec. 7. The 2023 BMW Championship was named as the “Tournament of the Year,” sharing the distinction with the WM Phoenix Open, as well as earning the award for “Best On-Site Staging” at Olympia Fields Country Club.

This is the first time since the 2018-19 season the PGA TOUR has presented a complete roster of tournament awards, due to challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am thrilled to congratulate the BMW Championship on being recognized with multiple ‘Best Of’ awards for the 2022-23 PGA TOUR Season,” said PGA TOUR Chief Competitions Officer Tyler Dennis. “After several years of challenges related to the pandemic and its impacts on event operations, I’m pleased we are able to once again celebrate the incredible work all PGA TOUR tournaments have accomplished to elevate the experience for players and fans. Our award winners should be extremely proud to be recognized as top among their peers on TOUR.”

The BMW Championship, staged at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois, in 2023 and won by FedExCup Champion Viktor Hovland, was named “Tournament of the Year” for the fifth time (2008, 2012, 2013, 2013-14, 2022-23). Hosted by the Western Golf Association, the BMW Championship is the oldest non-major on the PGA TOUR schedule and has been the penultimate event in the FedExCup Playoffs since the inception of the FedExCup in 2007. New in 2023, the field featured the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings (previously 70), with players who qualify for the BMW Championship earning access to all Signature Events in the 2024 PGA TOUR Season. The tournament also won “Best On-Site Staging” for a record fourth time (2013, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2022-23).

“Earning tournament of the year for the fifth time is a huge honor that validates all of the hard work and energy we invest into creating extraordinary brand experiences for our customers and fans,” said Marcus Casey, Chief Marketing Officer, BMW of North America. “This year’s award is especially meaningful due to our historic event’s deep roots in the Chicago area. Many thanks to all of our partners, the volunteers, and golf lovers everywhere who help the BMW Championship come alive each year.”

With the added challenge of changing venues each year, the BMW Championship offers a best-in-class experience for players and fans, thanks to an engaged title sponsor, a championship staff and a passionate volunteer force. Each year, the BMW Championship elevates the on-site player experience with unparalleled services including workout facilities, dry cleaning, health-conscious menu items and new BMW courtesy cars.

For fans, the BMW Championship integrates its location into the on-site spectator experience. The 2023 tournament embraced its location just outside Chicago, with the Olympia Fields Station serving as the main tournament entrance, as spectators used the train daily for easy transport between the city and course. Concessions included various food trucks offering fare like pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef from notable Chicago restaurants. First Tee – Greater Chicago also engaged in the event with its sponsorship of the family-friendly Game Changers Pavilion Presented by KPMG.

As an extension of the BMW brand, the on-site presentation is reflective of the iconic and powerful global brand. Behind the scenes, BMW aligns with the tournament’s sole beneficiary, the Evans Scholars Foundation. As the largest fundraising event of the year for the Evans Scholars Foundation, the BMW Championship has contributed more than $44.5 million to fund caddie scholarships since BMW became title sponsor in 2007 and an additional $5 million projected from the 2023 event.

The “Best On-Site Staging” award is presented to the tournament with the best overall on-site presentation, which includes the setup for many constituents such as players, caddies, media, competitions and rules, volunteers, tournament operations, security, first aid, and the structural build out.

Upon arrival at the practice facility, players were greeted by the exclusive Driving Range Lounge, a new enhancement in 2023 that offered a premium atmosphere with made-to-order coffee, espresso and grab-and-go fare as well as a workout and training area.

Outside the ropes, the Fan Driving Range on the South Course offered spectators shot-tracer technology to enhance their overall player-viewing experience. Spectators also benefitted from re-surfaced and widened cart paths that improved traffic flow as well conveniently placed misting machines to combat high temperatures.

“We enter every year thinking about how we can ensure that the BMW Championship provides the best possible experience for the players, caddies, our corporate partners and – most importantly – golf fans,” said WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments Vince Pellegrino. “To have that effort recognized by the PGA TOUR is truly rewarding and humbling, both for the WGA and our title sponsor, BMW of North America, without whom none of this would be possible.”

The 2024 BMW Championship will be held August 19-25 at Castle Pines Golf Club in Denver, Colorado.