The DP World Tour kicks off a new week with the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, where two Germans lead after the first round.
The DP World Tour Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship has started at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, with two German players standing out in the international field on day one.
Schott Takes the Lead on DP World Tour, Von Dellingshausen Close Behind
Freddy Schott had a dream start, firing six birdies in his first nine holes, including five in a row, quickly moving to the top of the leaderboard. Despite a double bogey on the tenth hole, Schott recovered with birdies on 14 and 17 and finished with an eagle on the last hole to share the lead at -7 with Spaniard Alejandro Del Rey, who shot a flawless round with seven birdies and no bogeys.
Nicolai von Dellingshausen is in pursuit, posting birdies on holes 3, 4, 6, and 7 and an eagle on 9, reaching -5 early. Despite a bogey on 11, he bounced back with birdies on 13 and 18. His precise iron play contributed to his -6 score and strong contender position entering the second day.
Other DACH Players with Mixed Results
Marcel Schneider sits mid-field after the opening round at -1, with a fluctuating round featuring five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey. He was particularly strong on par-3s, with birdies on three of four such holes. Joel Girrbach from Switzerland shot -2, overcoming a couple of bogeys on the back nine by finishing with birdies on 15, 16, and 18. Marcel Siem experienced ups and downs, just missing a hole-in-one on 7, finishing the day at +2. Bernd Wiesberger and Maximilian Steinlechner both ended their rounds at +3, in the lower third of the field.
Title Defense Well Underway
Last year’s champion Laurie Canter is on track to defend his title, carding a -6 with seven birdies and only one bogey. Meanwhile, recent winner Patrick Reed announced before the tournament he will not return to LIV Golf but plans his PGA Tour comeback in summer 2026. Reed shot a mixed round of five birdies and four bogeys to stand at -1, mid-field. Due to play suspensions, not all players have completed their first round yet.