Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship tees off

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship tees off today at Royal Golf Club, marking the start of four days of competition as the DP World Tour returns to the kingdom for its third successive edition. Following yesterday’s Pro-Am, attention now turns fully to tournament play, with a strong international field chasing early-season momentum on a course that has already proven demanding.

This year’s championship features a stellar lineup, led by Major champions Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia, alongside former Bahrain winner Dylan Frittelli. Reed arrives in top form after lifting the Hero Dubai Desert Classic last week, adding further intrigue to a field packed with pedigree.

The Royal Golf Club is expected to test every aspect of a player’s game, rewarding accuracy and patience over four competitive rounds. With conditions familiar to many in the field, margins are likely to be tight as the tournament unfolds. Among those teeing it up this week are three Bahraini golfers who earned their places through the national qualifying pathway, gaining invaluable exposure alongside the world’s best. Ali Alkowari returns for a second consecutive year and is eager to build on last season’s experience.

“I cannot describe the feeling of playing here again – it’s really nice,” Alkowari said. “Last year was tough, but we trained very well to qualify. It was a four-day qualifier and very demanding. This year I feel more confident, and the course looks great. We’ve been playing it every day, so we know it well.”

Sharing the fairways with global stars is an added motivation. “Players like Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed are here, and it’s really special to compete in the same tournament as them,” he added.

Ahmed Alzayed is also representing Bahrain for the second time and believes last year’s debut has better prepared him for this week’s challenge. “I’m very proud to represent Bahrain again,” he said. “Last year I was nervous because it was my first time at this level. This year I trust myself more.”

Alzayed noted that experience has shaped his strategy. “I learned that patience is key here. You don’t need to be aggressive. The last four holes are tricky, so you have to be smart and safe.”

Khalifa Almaraisi completes the Bahraini trio, highlighting the continued growth of golf in the kingdom.

The championship was officially launched on Tuesday with an opening ceremony at Royal Golf Club, where a landmark 10- year agreement was announced securing the event’s place on the DP World Tour calendar until at least 2036. Also unveiled was the Nasser Golf Academy, a new initiative aimed at nurturing future talent in the kingdom. Now, however, the focus is firmly on the competition, as Bahrain once again firmly positions itself at Bahrain’s flag is paraded during Tuesday’s opening ceremony at Royal Golf Club the heart of international golf.