The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain prepares to host an assembly of world-class golfers for the third annual Bahrain Championship, scheduled from January 29 to February 1, 2026. With a substantial purse of $2.75 million, this DP World Tour event has attracted an impressive roster of international talent under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The tournament field features multiple Major champions, including Patrick Reed—who arrives fresh from his victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic—Sergio Garcia, and Pádraig Harrington. They are joined by past titleholders Laurie Canter, the defending champion, and Dylan Frittelli, who triumphed in the event’s return to the tour in 2024.
Frittelli expressed strong affection for the venue, recalling, “I’ve got fond memories of the golf course, but I really do enjoy the country as well.” The South African praised both the scenic beauty of the Arabian Gulf and the unique atmosphere enhanced by military aircraft overhead, noting, “I’m an aviation guy, so on the golf course I’m often just staring up at those.”
Current Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper also joins the competition. The 24-year-old South African anticipates the challenge of the sloping, wind-swept course, which demands strategic play. Germany’s Marcel Siem, a six-time DP World Tour winner, highlighted the appeal of the Middle East swing, describing the Bahrain course as “a risk and reward golf course” well-suited to his aggressive style.
Additional notable participants include recent Dubai Invitational winner Nacho Elvira of Spain, French golfer Julien Guerrier, and promising young talents like Martin Couvra and Ángel Hidalgo. The event also underscores local golf development, with three Bahraini players—Ahmed Alzayed, Khalifa Almaraisi, and Ali Alkowari—earning spots through a national qualification pathway.