Stars ready to shine at Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship

TDT | Manama

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The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is set to welcome a stellar field to Royal Golf Club this week as the third edition of the tournament tees off from Thursday January 29 to Sunday February 1.

Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the $2.75 million DP World Tour event features defending champion Laurie Canter, past winner Dylan Frittelli and Major champions Pádraig Harrington, Patrick Reed – fresh from his victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic – and Sergio Garcia among a field packed with international talent.

South Africa’s Frittelli, who claimed victory when the tournament returned to the DP World Tour in 2024, is relishing the prospect of returning to a venue that holds fond memories.

“I love it,” said Frittelli. “Obviously, I won the tournament two years ago. I’ve got fond memories of the golf course, but I really do enjoy the country as well. I stayed in the city the first year, and then last year I managed to stay on the Arabian Gulf – beautiful ocean, beautiful beach, and wonderful resort. I also love the cool aircraft flying over – some military helicopters - I’m an aviation guy, so on the golf course I’m often just staring up at those. It’s a wonderful place and I can’t wait to go back there.” Jayden Schaper arrives in the Kingdom as the current leader of the Race to Dubai Rankings. The 24-year-old South African has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season and is eager to continue his momentum on a course he knows well.

“I’ve played there the last two years and it’s a really cool place to be,” said Schaper. “The golf course is just pretty cool. It’s got a lot of character, and the weather conditions are always tougher when you get out there. There’s a lot more slope than what we’re used to, but it’s a good track. The tournament is part of a big few weeks of golf across the Middle East and I’m looking forward to getting back there – Bahrain is definitely a place I’d like to get out and see a bit more of.”

Germany’s Marcel Siem, a six-time DP World Tour winner, is also looking forward to the return to Bahrain – the third of four events in the Middle East, as part of the Tour’s International Swing.

“It’s always a fantastic stretch – the Middle East stretch,” said Siem. “It’s easy travelling and having Bahrain the third one in a row, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great golf course. It’s most of the time quite windy there as well, a bit windier than in Dubai. The players’ lounge is great, the facilities are great, the golf course itself is really fun to play. It’s a risk and reward golf course, a little bit, which suits me. Really looking forward to it.”

The field also includes Spain’s Nacho Elvira, who won the Dubai Invitational two weeks ago, France’s Julien Guerrier, and rising stars such as 2025 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Martin Couvra and Spain’s Ángel Hidalgo. Three Bahraini golfers – Ahmed Alzayed, Khalifa Almaraisi and Ali Alkowari – will also compete after earning their places through the national qualifying pathway, showcasing the growth of the game in the Kingdom.

Beyond the fairways, the Championship Village transforms Royal Golf Club into a festival atmosphere for the whole family. Thrill-seekers can soar over crowds on a 100-metre zip line, while a dedicated Kids’ Zone helps keep younger visitors entertained throughout the day. Live music, a traditional Bahraini souq celebrating local culture and crafts, plus a wide range of food trucks and dining options create the perfect weekend destination – whether you’re a golf fan or not.

General admission to the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is completely free for all four days. Premium experiences including Ticket+, Ticket+ Brunch and Championship Chalet packages are also available for those seeking an elevated hospitality experience.

To register for free general admission or to purchase a premium package, please visit Platinum List. For the latest news and updates, follow @bahraingolfchamps on Instagram.