GOLF – Bapco Energies, the integrated company leading the energy transition in Bahrain, has signed a new agreement to remain as the Title Partner of the 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour.
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship will take place from 29 January to 1 February 2026 at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.
Featuring a prize fund of $2.75 million, the tournament follows the Dubai Invitational and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic – the first Rolex Series event of the season – as one of seven events on the DP World Tour’s International Swing.
The 2026 edition of the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship will showcase the DP World Tour’s leading rookies, with newly-crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Martin Couvra confirmed to tee it up alongside fellow breakthrough talents Ángel Ayora and Elvis Smylie.
Couvra, the second Frenchman in history to win the prestigious Rookie of the Year award, enjoyed a standout 2025 campaign that included victory at the Turkish Airlines Open and a further six top-ten finishes, culminating in a 19th-place finish on the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World.
Joining him in Bahrain is 21-year-old Spaniard Ayora, who pushed Couvra all the way in the rookie standings.
Meanwhile, Australian Elvis Smylie will also feature after securing his maiden DP World Tour title earlier in the season and firmly establishing himself as another exciting young star on Tour.
Together, the trio represent the next wave of global talent set to compete at this year’s event.
Bapco Energies became Title Partner of the tournament for the first time in 2025, moving up from presenting partner in 2024.
The partnership focuses on elevating the tournament experience for players, stakeholders and spectators alike, establishing Bahrain’s premier international golf tournament as a world-class attraction.
The tournament is also pioneering environmental initiatives focused on energy provision, including powering hospitality units and structures with solar energy and batteries.
Bapco Energies Group chief executive officer Mark Thomas said: “We are pleased to renew our partnership with the DP World Tour for the 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship. This collaboration reflects our confidence in the tournament’s continued success and its ability to elevate Bahrain on the global sporting stage.
“We look forward to building on the momentum of 2025 and delivering another exceptional experience that brings our community together and reinforces Bapco Energies’ commitment to supporting national pride and international visibility.”
Bahrain Olympic Committee secretary general Faris Al Kooheji said: “Thanks to the drive of our visionary leaders and the support of Bapco Energies and the DP World Tour, the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is putting the kingdom on the map as a world-class golfing destination. With leading professionals from more 25 countries competing next month, the tournament will provide international exposure and support our drive to continue growing the game in the region.”
DP World Tour Middle East director Tom Phillips said: “The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is going from strength to strength, with a strong year-on-year increase in spectator numbers, a field that boasts several legends of the game, and a desire to bring environmentally sustainable best practice to event delivery. The support of Bapco Energies is crucial to the growth of the event and we’re delighted that they will be continuing their partnership with us into 2026.”
Fans will be able to witness the action with free general admission tickets. There are also elevated and premium experiences available.
Outside of the world-class golf action, friends and families will be treated to a full programme of activities and entertainment, including a 100m zip line over the top of the Royal Golf Club, kids entertainment and activities, traditional Bahraini suq and a wealth of food and beverage options.
Registration for free tickets for the 2026 Bahrain Championship is open now. For more tournament details, follow @bahraingolfchamps on Instagram.
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