The Irishman, 48, shared his thoughts at a pre-tournament media day on Tuesday of last week, with his enthusiasm for the competition shining through.

He admitted: “This is our No. 1 event. It’s the flagship event and the biggest on the tour. Look at all the winners back through the years – Nick Faldo, Seve, the No. 1 player in the world won it last year, Rory (Mcilroy). There’s a great roll of honour for this tournament and it is the one we all want to win.” Mcilroy will return to defend his crown and will be joined by other Ryder Cup heroes Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Victor Dubuisson, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer, Steven Gallacher and Jamie Donaldson, while American raiders Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka will aim to take the title back across the pond.

Former Open champions Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke will also be competing, along with previous Wentworth winners Matteo Manassero and Simon Khan.

Els helped redesign the course back in 2010, and although it has been criticised by players including Ian Poulter, McGinley believes such comments are excessive.

He said: “It’s a very different course. I used to love it when it was running and chasing.

“You could move the ball round but now you’ve got to play it a lot more in the air, you’ve got to stop it very quickly.

“There’s a little bit more undulation on the greens than there used to be so it’s a different test.

“Having said that, the No. 1 player in the world won it last year so that’s good credibility for the golf course when the best player in the field wins.” The BMW PGA Championship takes place from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24.