The DP World Tour continues its four-week stretch in the Middle East as part of the International Swing with the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship. Here are your five things to know.
Frittelli defends
Last year saw us make our return to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time since 2011, with Dylan Frittelli celebrating a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle. Without a title on the DP World Tour since winning in Austria and Mauritius in 2017, the South African claimed a two-shot success at Royal Golf Club as three birdies in a four-hole stretch from the 13th proved decisive. He later revealed he contemplated giving up golf during a difficult 2023 as he lost his full playing privileges on the PGA TOUR – where he won the John Deere Classic in 2019 – after missing the cut or withdrawing from 23 events. But his victory last year helped him reach the DP World Tour Play-Offs in Abu Dhabi, and the 2016 HotelPlanner Tour graduate has started the new season positively with a top ten at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic earlier this month on the Rolex Series.
In-form stars on show as International swing continues
The tournament, which features a $2.5 million prize fund, follows the Hero Dubai Desert Classic - the first Rolex Series event of the season - and the Ras Al Khaimah Championship as one of seven scoring events on the International Swing. Nine of the top ten in the swing rankings are in the field at Royal Golf Club, with Race to Dubai leader Tyrrell Hatton the only exception. Like in Ras Al Khaimah last week, the winner will take home 585.00 points, with the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Magical Kenya Open, Investec South African Open Championship and Joburg Open to follow. A victory for either Daniel Hillier, Shaun Norris, John Parry or Johannes Veerman, who occupy second to fifth place on the rankings, will take them above Hatton. After big jumps on the standings with their performances in Ras Al Khaimah, last week’s top two of Alejandro del Rey and Marcus Armitage are among those looking to continue their encouraging starts to the season.
New title partner
Moving up from presenting partner to title sponsor, Bapco Energies is reaffirming its commitment to the growth of Bahrain’s premier international golf event. The partnership with Bapco Energies, the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain, focuses on elevating the tournament experience for players, stakeholders, and spectators alike, establishing the event as a world-class attraction. Fans can secure free general admission for all four days, while there are a host of premium experiences available. Outside of the world-class golf, there will be a full programme of activities and entertainment, including live music and a wealth of food and beverage options.
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As part of the DP World Tour’s wider Golf for Good programme, there are other activations planned during the week. They include school workshops, a behind-the-scenes tour of the host venue and a visit by athletes from the Special Olympics alongside coaches and parents.
A game-changing opportunity
One of the many great facets of events on the DP World Tour is the opportunity awarded to local players to impress. While the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on the many world-renowned players in the field, the tournament also serves as a vital platform for the top homegrown talent from around the region and beyond. Pakistan’s Aadam Syed earned his place with an impressive victory at the Bahrain Amateur Open, while local talent Yaseen Le Falher secured a spot as the highest-ranked Bahraini. England’s Tom Sloman secured his spot in the field with a play-off win in the King Hamad Trophy late last year, with Ali Al Kowari also claiming a berth in this week’s field as the next highest-placed Bahraini, with Le Falher already having qualified.
Course changes
Opened in 2009 after the site was renovated by Colin Montgomerie and European Golf Design two years earlier, Royal Golf Club is again hosting the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship. The host to the Volvo Golf Champions in 2011 remains the only grass course in Bahrain. Among several course alterations introduced for this week, new back tees have been built on the tenth and 18th, adding 23 yards and 18 yards respectively. In turn, the angle of the tee shot on the 18th has changed slightly. Two bunkers between the landing zone and the green on the fourth have been removed, while the bunker to the back-left of the eighth green has been removed and the bunker short-left of the eighth green has been reduced in size. Due to the wind forecast and the exposure and undulations of the greens, the green speed will be kept between low/mid 10s and 11ft.
