Nerve-wracking in Bahrain: Freddy Schott wins playoff against Reed and Hill to claim his first DP World Tour victory and rises to 9th in Race to Dubai.
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain remained thrilling until the final moment. In a close contest between Scotsman Calum Hill, American Patrick Reed, and German Freddy Schott, it was Schott who ultimately prevailed in a tense playoff on the final day. This victory marks Schott’s first DP World Tour win. As a result, the Düsseldorf native jumps 94 spots to 9th place on the Race to Dubai leaderboard.
Trio Shares the Lead After Final Round
All three players finished Sunday tied at 17 under par atop the leaderboard. Freddy Schott improved by one stroke from the previous day with a 69. He shone on the front nine with four birdies but dropped a bogey on the eighth hole. Though steady overall on the back nine, he incurred a double bogey on the 11th but also added three birdies and a bogey, finishing three under par for the day.
American Patrick Reed carded a 67, five under par, including seven birdies and two bogeys, nearing his best round of 66 from the prior Saturday.
Scotsman Calum Hill shot an average 71, one under par, maintaining a high position aided by his Friday 61. Despite five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey on the last day, Hill could not secure the outright lead at Royal Golf Club.
DP World Tour: Dramatic Playoff Decision in Freddy Schott’s Favor
The playoff started with Schott parring the hole. Reed bogeyed with five strokes, while Hill also parred with four, forcing a second playoff hole. There, Hill’s seven strokes on the par-4 ended his chance, while Schott’s even par clinched the title.
Spanish player Sergio García, who led several times during the tournament, finished the final day with a 68 and tied for fourth place along with New Zealander Daniel Hillier, both finishing 16 under par overall.
Additional Performances at Bahrain Championship
Swiss Joel Girrbach could not replicate his earlier strong rounds despite a promising start with a birdie and eagle early on. He finished with an even-par 72, ending 9 under par in 31st place.
German Nicolai von Dellingshausen struggled on the final day with a 74, dropping to a tie for 41st at seven under par.