Different ball, same ambition 😁🏈
Author: Matthias Gräf
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, part of the DP World Tour, continues to showcase some of the finest golf talent on a challenging desert course. Held at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, the tournament combines demanding course conditions with a strong international field, making it a highlight early in the 2026 season.
Let’s get real about the challenges of professional golf. Competing at any level demands resilience, focus, and relentless effort.
Scott Vincent is set to return to Riyadh as he kicks off his 2026 LIV Golf season, revisiting a venue where he has previously made memorable impressions. The International Series event in Saudi Arabia offers a challenging desert course that tests the precision and strategy of the world’s top golfers.
Ben An recently spoke about his expectations for playing night golf in Riyadh this week, highlighting the unique challenges and excitement that come with competing under the lights.
Night golf is still a relatively rare format on the professional circuit, and the conditions in Riyadh add an extra layer of complexity. Playing under artificial lighting changes the way players perceive distances and read greens, requiring adjustments in strategy and focus.
Adapting to Night Golf Conditions
Ben An emphasized the importance of adapting quickly to the course setup and lighting conditions. Unlike traditional daytime tournaments, night golf demands heightened concentration and a different approach to club selection and shot execution. The cooler temperatures and altered visibility can affect ball flight and putting, making precision even more critical.
Riyadh as a Growing Golf Destination
The event in Riyadh is part of the growing interest in golf in the Middle East, where tournaments are increasingly embracing innovative formats and attracting international fields. This trend aligns with the region’s ambition to become a key hub in the global golf calendar, alongside established events like the LIV Golf League and the DP World Tour.
For players like Ben An, competing in Riyadh offers a chance to test their skills in new environments and gain valuable experience that could prove decisive in their careers.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on how players handle the night golf format and the unique challenges it presents. Ben An’s insights provide a glimpse into the mindset required to succeed in such conditions, underscoring the evolving nature of professional golf.
Justin Rose has once again demonstrated his class on the PGA Tour by capturing his 13th career title at the Farmers Insurance Open held at Torrey Pines Golf Course. The Englishman finished the tournament with an impressive score of 23 under par, setting a new tournament record and solidifying his status as one of the game’s most consistent performers.
Justin Rose’s victory at the 2002 Alfred Dunhill Championship marked the beginning of an impressive professional career that would see him claim 13 PGA TOUR titles over the following two decades. His journey from that first win to becoming one of golf’s most consistent performers highlights his resilience and skill on the course.
South African golfer MJ Viljoen marked his triumph at the SDC Open with a special celebration that caught the attention of fans and fellow players alike. The tournament, part of the Challenge Tour, took place at the Zebula Golf Estate & Spa in Limpopo, South Africa, from January 28 to 31, 2026.
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, held at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, has once again delivered some spectacular moments on the DP World Tour. The tournament, known for its challenging desert layout and water hazards, attracts a strong international field competing under ideal weather conditions in the Middle East.
16-time LPGA winner Nelly Korda demonstrates effective range drills designed to enhance precision and consistency in her game. These exercises focus on improving swing mechanics and ball control, essential skills for any competitive golfer.