Bahraini Golfers Set to Compete with World Stars at Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship

Three Bahraini golfers will take part in the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship from January 29 to February 1, joining top players from the DP World Tour. Ahmed Alzayed, Khalifa Almaraisi, and Ali Mohamed Alkowari earned their spots through the Kingdom’s national qualifying pathway.

The tournament, held at the Royal Golf Club under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, also features international stars including three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington, Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper, past champion Dylan Frittelli, and 2025 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Martin Couvra.

Each Bahraini player secured their place differently: Alzayed qualified as the best Bahraini at the King Hamad Trophy, Almaraisi led the Bahrain Golf Association rankings after the final 2025 event, and Alkowari earned his spot through the National Team Qualifying tournament.

Alzayed, with a +2.4 handicap, expressed pride in representing Bahrain. “This is my second time participating in this event. I’m focused on representing my country and excited to gain experience playing alongside top tour players,” he said.

Alkowari, also with a +2.4 handicap, described the qualifying as challenging but rewarding. “It wasn’t easy, especially with windy conditions over four days, but we made it. I’m happy to compete again,” he said.

The championship highlights how the national qualifying pathway is helping to grow golf in Bahrain, giving local players valuable experience at the highest level. The event, part of the DP World Tour’s International Swing, follows the Dubai Invitational and Hero Dubai Desert Classic, offering a total prize fund of $2.75 million.