Brandon Robinson Thompson carded a course-record 61 to hold an early three-shot lead as he threatened adding his name to the DP World Tour history books in the first round of the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship.
Since the formation of the DP World Tour in 1972, only Oliver Fisher has carded a 59 but fellow Englishman Robinson Thompson had that in his sights when he recorded eight birdies and two eagles through his opening 17 holes.
However, the HotelPlanner Tour graduate finished with his only bogey of the day after going long with his approach from a fairway bunker to end the opening day at 11 under - with countryman Callum Tarren his nearest pursuer.
Competing in his rookie season on the DP World Tour, Robinson Thompson's total was three shots better than the previous low of 64 posted by France’s Tom Vaillant in last year’s inaugural edition at Royal Golf Club.
“I didn’t really picture it this morning when it was raining and there were forecasts of super strong winds,” he said.
“Very happy to get off to the start I did. Little bit of a sour taste in my mouth I am not going to lie, but I holed my fair share.”
Now, that was impressive @BRTtoursauce 👏#BahrainGolfChamps pic.twitter.com/e12TekmzSt
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 30, 2025
After beginning his day with a pair of pars, Robinson Thompson clicked into gear with an eagle at the par-five third, before backing it up immediately with a birdie at the 443-yard fourth.
Further gains followed at the sixth and eighth, before the 32-year-old closed out his front nine by rolling in an eagle putt from 28 feet at the ninth.
He missed a short birdie effort at the tenth, but a run of four consecutive birdies from the 12th through to the 15th put everyone on 59 watch, before he lipped out for five in a row from distance at the par-three 16th.
His chance at history was back on though when his putter delivered again at the 17th, before his dropped shot at the last.
“After about nine holes,” he said with a laugh when asked when he thought about the possibility of a 59.
“I hit it to four feet at ten (but) unfortunately I missed that one. It was just an accumulation of a lot of good decision-making and execution.”
Robinson Thompson has competed in Major Championships on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years and won his maiden title on the HotelPlanner Tour last season on his way to securing DP World Tour playing privileges.
Despite those highs, the 32-year-old says his career low as a professional is arguably his best achievement.
“Everyone keeps saying it is tough to (follow up a low round) but I am just going to keep doing a lot of the same stuff," he said.
“I have got a new caddie Rich (Richard Hill) the last couple of weeks, and he is great.
“We talk through stuff really well and we’ll be doing a lot of the same stuff, having fun and I am looking forward to it, just as I would any other round.”
