GOLF – THE Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship 2026 is only a few days away, taking place at Royal Golf Club from Thursday next week to February 1.
The kingdom is preparing to welcome one of the most exciting fields in the tournament’s history – plus a packed programme of entertainment that makes for more than a golf event.
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is a key stop on the DP World Tour’s International Swing – a seven-event series that sees golf’s worldwide tour visit five countries across the Middle East and Africa.
Beginning with a Dubai double-header at the Dubai Invitational and the ongoing Rolex Series Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the swing continues to Bahrain and Qatar before heading to Kenya and South Africa.
For players, there’s plenty at stake beyond the $2.75million prize fund in the kingdom – the leading performer across the International Swing earns a $200,000 bonus, entry into every event in phase two of the season, and a place at the prestigious Genesis Scottish Open.
This year’s Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship features a stellar line-up, including Major winners Sergio Garcia of Spain and Padraig Harrington of Ireland, defending champion Laurie Canter from England, past winner Dylan Frittelli from South Africa, and his countryman and current Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper.
The field showcases the depth of talent on the DP World Tour, with 2025 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Martin Couvra from France joined by fellow rising stars Angel Ayora and Angel Hidalgo, both from Spain. Former US Open champion Patrick Reed adds further star power, while fan favourites including Pablo Larrazabal, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Thomas Detry will all be in action.
Three Bahraini golfers will proudly represent the Kingdom after earning their places through the national qualifying pathway. They include Ahmed Alzayed, Khalifa Almeraisi, and Ali Alkowari. They will be joined by England’s Tom Sloman, last season’s King Hamad Trophy winner, and Malaysia’s Zubair Firdaus, the Bahrain Amateur Open champion from 2025.
While the world’s best golfers battle it out on the fairways, the championship village transforms Royal Golf Club into a vibrant community-gathering space with entertainment for all ages.
There will be a 100-metre zip line and free-fall experience; a kids’ zone with a dedicated soft play area, face painting, henna artists, balloon twisters, magicians, and much more; live music and entertainment; a traditional Bahraini souq with Bahraini coffee and sweets and hands-on cultural experiences like dhow building, pottery, oyster activity, basket weaving, and Bukhoor perfumery; carnival games; a video games tent; an AI photobooth; and plenty of food and beverage options.
Fans can be a part of the event 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, the new Ticket+ Brunch with unlimited BBQ buffet and drinks on Friday and Saturday, and the Championship Chalet offering all-day hospitality.
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