The DP World Tour kicks off a new tournament week with the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship. Two Germans take the lead on opening day.The DP World Tour Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship has started at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, where two German players distinguished themselves against the international field on the first day.
Von Dellingshausen and Schott Lead the DP World Tour
Freddy Schott had a dream start on the opening day, making an early statement by recording six birdies in his first nine holes, including five in a row, quickly rising to the top of the leaderboard. A double bogey on the tenth hole briefly slowed his momentum, but Schott remained unfazed, adding birdies on the 14th and 17th holes and only one more bogey to get back on track. He finished with an eagle on the last hole, sharing the lead at -7 with Spaniard Alejandro Del Rey, who carded a flawless round without any bogeys and seven birdies.
A round that had everything!
Freddy Schott finishes with an eagle to share the lead in Bahrain 💪#BahrainGolfChamps pic.twitter.com/DUTQA62Ufd
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 29, 2026
In close pursuit is Nicolai von Dellingshausen. After strong front nine with birdies on holes 3, 4, 6, and 7 plus an eagle on the 9th, following a perfect approach shot to within a few centimeters of the flag, he was already at -5. Although he bogeyed the 11th, he bounced back with birdies on the 13th and 18th, finishing the day at -6 and in a strong chasing position for the second round. His precise approach shots helped create numerous birdie opportunities.
Other DACH Players with Mixed Results
Marcel Schneider sits in the middle of the field after the first round. His fluctuating performance included five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey for an overall score of -1. Notably, he was strong on the par-3 holes, scoring birdies on three out of four.
Joel Girrbach of Switzerland finished under par at -2, starting with a birdie and eight pars before bogeys on the back nine. However, he recovered with birdies on holes 15, 16, and 18 to secure his under-par round.
Marcel Siem experienced ups and downs. After bog