GOLF – A new multi-year partnership has been signed between the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) and the DP World Tour that secures the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour schedule until at least 2036, the DP World Tour announced yesterday.
As reported in yesterday’s GDN, the extended agreement was officially unveiled by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman, and BOC president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, held Tuesday night at Royal Golf Club.
The tournament is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and play begins today with the first of four rounds.
The event features a total prize fund of $2.75 million. It is one of seven events on the DP World Tour’s International Swing this year.
It was also confirmed yesterday that Royal Golf Club will remain as the host venue for the 2027 and 2028 editions of the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship.
Speaking about the partnership extension, Shaikh Khalid said: “The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship represents an exceptional competitive platform, offering significant prize rewards and a prestigious pathway towards major global competitions.
“In this regard, we are honoured to announce the renewal of the agreement for the Kingdom of Bahrain to host this championship for the next 10 years.
“This extension reflects deep-seated international confidence in Bahrain’s professional organisational capabilities, our dedication to sustainable success, and our commitment to strengthening global sporting partnerships.”
Bapco Energies, the integrated energy company, also confirmed yesterday that they will remain as the title partner of the tournament until 2028. Bapco Energies became title partner 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.
Speaking about their extended partnership with the tournament, Bapco Energies Group CEO Mark Thomas said: “We are proud to extend our partnership with the DP World Tour and continue our role as title partner of the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship.
“This partnership not only reinforces our commitment to world-class sporting events in the kingdom, but also reflects our dedication to Bahrain’s growing presence on the global stage.”
Meanwhile, speaking about Royal Golf Club’s extended agreement as host venue for 2027 and 2028, Royal Golf Club chairman Captain Waleed Al Alawi said: “We are incredibly excited for the 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship to get underway and are immensely proud to once again host this prestigious event at Royal Golf Club.
“We wish all the players every success for the week ahead and look forward to seeing world-class golf on our course.
“We have been delighted with the positive feedback received on the course so far, and I would like to thank our dedicated team for their outstanding efforts in preparing the event to the highest standards.
“We are also very much looking forward to our continued partnership with the DP World Tour and are proud to host this tournament for the years to come.”
DP World Tour Middle East director Tom Phillips added: “This tournament has quickly established itself as a key fixture on the DP World Tour calendar, growing in stature each year and occupying an important role within the DP World Tour’s International Swing.
“Our extended, multi-year partnership with the BOC, as well as Bapco Energies and Royal Golf Club, reflect a long-term vision to deliver world-class sporting experiences, drive innovation and sustainability, and further strengthen Bahrain’s position as a leading destination for international sport, tourism, and business.”
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