Golf spectacle set for grand opening

The eagerly anticipated Bahrain Championship presented by Bapco Energies is set for a glittering official opening ceremony today at the Royal Golf Club.

The DP World Tour returns to Bahrain for the first time in 13 years this week with some of the world’s best golfers gunning for glory from Thursday to Sunday, and the occasion is being marked with a special opening ceremony, with royal attendance as well as a host of VIPs, stakeholders and media, at the prestigious venue this evening.

Stars taking part in the tournament include former Ryder Cup Captain and 15-time DP World Tour winner Thomas Bjorn; fellow Dane Rasmus Hojgaard who has four DP World Tour wins to his name; the Spanish trio of Jorge Campillo, Pablo Larrazabal and Adrian Otaegui who have 16 DP World Tour wins between them; and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli, a PGA Tour and two-time DP World Tour winner.

Meanwhile, the tournament is also an opportunity for the region’s best home-grown players to gain essential experience playing alongside some of golf’s biggest stars.

Fahad Abdulla Sultan Mubarak bagged a spot alongside the DP World Tour’s finest after finishing as the leading Bahraini in the Bahrain Amateur Open, while Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Attieh also qualified after his impressive seven-stroke victory in the same event.

Convincing

Prior to the Bahrain Championship presented by Bapco Energies, the DP World Tour made a stop in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, and Thorbjorn Olesen won his eighth tour title in convincing fashion. He fired a closing 67 to capture the crown.

The Dane entered the final day four shots clear of Hojgaard, but saw that lead wiped out within seven holes as his countryman made a blistering start. A stunning eagle and threeshot swing on the next completely changed the complexion of the day, however, and Olesen eased to a six-shot win at 27-under.

Hojgaard signed for a 69 to finish at 21-under, one shot clear of Frenchman Frederic Lacroix, who ended his week with a 68. Olesen’s total of 261, which included a course-record equalling 62 last Friday, was the lowest of the season, with his score to par also the lowest of the season by seven strokes.

His six-shot winning margin was also the biggest of the season so far and Olesen has now won in three consecutive seasons and seven times out of eight when holding the 54-hole lead.

General admission to the Bahrain Championship presented by Bapco Energies is free of charge for spectators while there will also be a host of premium experiences available, as well as live music and a wealth of food and beverage options and activities for the whole family to enjoy.