Star trio set for Bahrain Championship at Royal Golf Club

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

With just over a month to go until the first tee shot is hit, excitement is building for the Bahrain Championship, set to take place at the Royal Golf Club from February 1 to 4, with Rasmus Hojgaard, Pablo Larrazabal and Romain Langasque the latest players to confirm their places in the field.

The DP World Tour is returning to Bahrain for the first time in 13 years for what promises to be an enticing spectacle both on and off the course, with a full programme of entertainment and activities on offer alongside the world-class golfing action.

Hojgaard, who has four DP World Tour titles to his name, is relishing the opportunity to tee it up again alongside fellow Danish countryman Thomas Bjorn, who headlines a field which also includes rising stars Dan Bradbury, Alex Fitzpatrick, Yannik Paul and Jordan Smith.

“Thomas was a big inspiration to Nicolai and myself when we were coming through the ranks,” said Hojgaard, who became the third youngest winner in DP World Tour history when he secured his first title in just his fifth start in the 2019 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, aged 18 years and 271 days old.

“His achievements in the game put Denmark on the world golfing map and it’s been amazing being able to play alongside him on the DP World Tour. I love getting to experience new cultures and countries through the game of golf and can’t wait to visit Bahrain for the first time.”

Spaniard Larrazabal is the most experienced of the trio with an impressive nine DP World Tour titles to his name and he’s no stranger to success in the Middle East, having won the prestigious Abu Dhabi Championship in 2014.

The 40-year-old, who has played on the DP World Tour since 2008, was in the field the last time the Tour visited Bahrain, finishing tied 24th at the Volvo Golf Champions en route to a career-high 17th place finish on the Race to Dubai, and he’s looking forward to a return to the Kingdom next month.

“I really liked the Royal Golf Club course the last time we played there and I believe they’ve made some enhancements recently so it’s going to be even better,” said Larrazábal referencing the recent redesign of several greens on the front nine.

“I love starting my season off in the Middle East - the weather is perfect and they have some fantastic golf courses, so I’m really looking forward to what promises to be a great event in Bahrain.” Langasque is also keen to add to his DP World Tour trophy cabinet having claimed his maiden victory at the 2020 ISPS Handa Wales Open.

The Frenchman has posted some strong results in the Middle East, including a tied 11th place finish at last year’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship and a tied 16th placing in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the start of 2023 and he’s looking forward to a first visit to the Royal Golf Club next month. “I enjoy playing golf in the Middle East,” he said.

“A lot of the courses suit my eye and we always get looked after really well at the events in the region so I can’t wait to experience playing in Bahrain for the first time.” General admission to the tournament is free of charge for spectators while there will also be a host of premium experiences available.

Tickets will include access to the tournament’s Village Square, which will boast a wealth of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Little ones will be entertained in the Kids Zone with face painting, glitter stations and roaming entertainers, while live music from local bands, free golf lessons, delicious F&B options and an activation dedicated to Bahraini culture will ensure fans enjoy the off course action just as much as the thrilling golf on offer at Royal Golf Club.

Fans can also grab the opportunity to play with a DP World Tour pro by purchasing a spot in the Pro-Am taking place on January 31. Prices start at BD825 and include an invitation to the exclusive Bahrain Championship Players Party, a one-night stay at the official hotel, and a host of other benefits. General admission is free of charge but all spectators must register online in order to gain entry. To keep up to date with tournament news, follow @bahraingolfchamps on Instagram.