GOLF – The 2026 edition of the AMH Island Classic Charity Golf Tournament got underway yesterday at His Majesty King Hamad’s private golf course in Saffriya.
More than 200 golfers representing 55 teams are taking part in the prestigious event, which is being held under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.
The Florida format competition is organised by American Mission Hospital (AMH), and it aims to raise funds in support of the hospital’s community outreach programmes and charitable initiatives.
The first participating groups hit the fairways yesterday as part of the first day’s programme.
An opening ceremony also took place, attended by US Ambassador to Bahrain Stephanie Hallett, American Mission Hospital (AMH) corporate CEO Dr George Cheriyan, and high-ranking officials from sponsors. The ceremonial tee-off followed.
Officials at yesterday’s opening ceremony
“This is a very unique and special tournament as we are able to play on His Majesty the King’s private golf course,” Dr Cheriyan told the GDN on the sidelines of yesterday’s events.
“His Majesty King Hamad has such a charitable heart and our donors have also been incredible supporters.
“I’ve been personally involved in the AMH Island Classic the past 17 years, and each year it becomes even more successful.
“We are able to generate some very important funds for our community programmes and at the same time enjoy three great days of golf.”
Teams are competing in two categories, including the championship flight where the teams’ handicap is six or under and the premier flight where the teams’ handicap is 6.1 or over.
From yesterday’s first day of play, taking first place in the championship flight were Saffriya, while Ministry of Interior One came second and Common Grounds were third.
In the premier flight, RGC One were number one, with KHAMH in second and Diplomat Two in third.
The side contest winners included Nawaf Al Noaimi of AMH Manama One, who came closest to the pin on hole two.
Bader Abdulla of Mohammed Jalal Two had the most accurate drive on hole eight, and Nasser Mohammed of Diplomat One holed the longest putt on the fourth green.
“The opening day went very well, with participants enjoying their game on the outstanding nine-hole course,” added Dr Cheriyan.
“The friendly competitive spirit among the golfers added greatly to the atmosphere of the tournament.”
CrediMax CEO Andrew Hocking, who was in attendance during the opening ceremony, commented: “Supporting any charitable event around the world, especially when they are supporting people and helping people to be the best they can be and to be healthy, is absolutely the right thing to do for CrediMax and for any organisation.
“Getting access [to His Majesty the King’s course] is a great privilege for AMH and for many of the players here, who would only get the chance to play on the course maybe just once in a lifetime or once a year. It is an incredible opportunity and an incredible privilege.”
Action continues today and tomorrow.
The tournament celebrations will then conclude with the AMH Island Classic Gala Dinner on November 22 at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, where sponsoring companies will be recognised and honoured for their valued contributions to the event and its charitable mission.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
DAY ONE TEAMS
African & Eastern One
African & Eastern Two
Mohammed Jalal Catering, Diplomat One
Timmers & Co
AMH Manama One
Mohammed Jalal Two
Ministry Of Interior One
Diplomat Two
RCSI One
Apollo Seven
AMH Amwaj
AMH Saar
NBB One
Buttercup
Saffriya
KHAMH
Common Grounds
Royal Strokes
RGC One
SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR: National Bank of Bahrain
EMERALD SPONSORS: EK Kanoo/Lexus
GOLD SPONSORS: Bahrain This Month, Tamimi Markets, The Royal Golf Club, Xerox
SILVER SPONSORS: African & Eastern, Al Hawaj, Costa Coffee by Zayani Foods, CrediMax
HOLE SPONSORS: Aqua Cool, Buttercup, Coca-Cola, Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Deeko Bahrain Ltd, GDN Online, Mohammed Jalal Catering, Mahsoul, Pocari Sweat, RCSI Bahrain
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