Oliver Farr hopes to be a surprise package

The 27-year-old, who is enjoying his first ever European Tour campaign this year, was first reserve for the tour's flagship competition last week.

But the withdrawal of Swedish star Jonas Blixt has seen him promoted into the mammoth 150-strong field which is headlined by defending champion and world No.1 Rory McIroy.

Farr took to Twitter to voice his delight at the news, tweeting: "Great to be playing PGA Championship at Wentworth this week.#BMWPGA"

Farr has spent the early part of the week getting to grips with the challenging Wentworth course, and he tweeted: "My 1st time on the course today!" after a practice round on Monday.

He will tee off at 11.15am on day one alongside France's Benjamin Hebert and Edouard Espana.

Farr will be one of three players with Shropshire links aiming for glory at the championship, along with Shrewsbury-born Scott Drummond and 2016 Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke, who are off at 10.10am and 7.50am respectively.

Drummond, who now lives in Plymouth, enjoyed his finest hour at Wentworth 11 years ago when he won the competition.

He shocked the golfing world with a stunning victory which propelled him to become Sir Henry Cotton European Tour Rookie of the Year.

But he lost his European Tour card in 2010 and is relying on invitations to play in top-level events, but he remains eligible to play at Wentworth as a former champion.

And he is hoping a strong showing will put him back on the path to the European Tour.

Clarke, who won the 2011 Open, is a global ambassador for Bridgnorth golf club The Astbury.

McIlroy will launch his defence of the championship alongside Ryder Cup team-mates Martin Kaymer and Jamie Donaldson.

Former US Open Champions Graeme McDowell and Justin Rose are also vying for glory at the four-day event.