GOLF – Three of Bahrain’s top golfers are looking forward to teeing it up alongside the stars of the DP World Tour at the 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, taking place January 29 to February 1 at Royal Golf Club.
Ahmed Alzayed, Khalifa Almeraisi, and Ali Mohamed Alkowari – who each earned their places through the kingdom’s national qualifying pathway – will be flying the Bahrain flag on their home course in the third edition of the tournament, to be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.
They will be joined by England’s Tom Sloman, who earned a professional invitation as winner of last year’s King Hamad Trophy, and Malaysia’s Zubair Firdaus, champion of the Bahrain Amateur Open 2025.
The local qualifiers will compete alongside a stellar field that includes three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington, former Masters champion Sergio Garcia, current Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper, past winner Dylan Frittelli, and 2025 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Martin Couvra.
The trio of Bahraini players secured their spots through different routes: Alzayed qualified as the best Bahraini finisher at the King Hamad Trophy, Almeraisi earned his place by topping the Bahrain Golf Association (BGA) rankings after the final event of 2025, and Alkowari came through the national team qualifying tournament.
For Alzayed, who carries a +2.4 handicap, it marks a proud return to the championship.
“I’m so proud to be playing in this championship,” he said.
“This is my second time participating in this event and I would like to thank Bapco Energies for organising the biggest event in the country and the BGA for giving national team players the chance to participate.”
“I’m focussed on representing my country in the best way and looking forward to playing with the best tour players to gain more experience.”
Alkowari, also playing off +2.4, will make his second consecutive appearance in the tournament after a hard-fought qualifying campaign. “I’m very happy to play in this great tournament again,” said Alkowari.
“It wasn’t easy to get the spot, but we did it eventually. We played four days for the national team qualifier – it was really, really windy – but in the end, we did it. I had some really good rounds and got the spot.”
The qualifying pathway demonstrates how hosting the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is helping develop the game in the kingdom, providing local players with invaluable experience of competing at the highest level.
The tournament follows the Dubai Invitational and Hero Dubai Desert Classic – the first Rolex Series event of the season – as part of the DP World Tour’s International Swing, and features a prize fund of $2.75 million.
Fans can witness the action with free general admission for all four days by registering via Platinum List.
Premium experiences are also available, including Ticket+ access to the Clubhouse Repartee Bar and terrace from BD15, the new Ticket+ Brunch with unlimited BBQ buffet and drinks on Friday and Saturday from BD55, and the Championship Chalet offering all-day hospitality from BD110.
Beyond the fairways, the Championship Village offers entertainment for the whole family, including a 100-metre zip line, a dedicated kids’ zone, live music, a traditional Bahraini souq, and a wide range of food and beverage options.
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