Nerve-wracking Bahrain finish: Freddy Schott wins playoff against Reed and Hill, celebrates his first DP World Tour victory, climbs to 9th in Race to Dubai.
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. In a fierce battle among Scotsman Calum Hill, American Patrick Reed, and Germany’s Freddy Schott, it was Schott who emerged victorious in a tense playoff on the final day. This win marks Schott’s first triumph on the DP World Tour. The Düsseldorfer player skyrocketed to 9th place in the Race to Dubai rankings, jumping 94 spots thanks to this success.
Trio Shares Lead After Final Round
All three players finished Sunday tied at 17-under par atop the leaderboard. Freddy Schott improved by one stroke compared to the previous day with a 69, highlighted by four birdies on the front nine, although he incurred a bogey on the eighth hole. Despite a double bogey on hole 11, he posted three additional birdies and one more bogey on the back nine to conclude the day at three under par.
Patrick Reed posted a 67, five under par, featuring seven birdies and two bogeys. This round closely matched his earlier best of 66 from Saturday.
Calum Hill recorded a solid 71, one under par, holding a strong position on the leaderboard thanks to his impressive 61 on Friday. However, his competitors capitalized on his final-day challenges, including five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey, which ultimately prevented him from claiming outright victory.
DP World Tour: Dramatic Playoff Decides Winner Freddy Schott
The playoff began with Freddy Schott making par on the first extra hole. Patrick Reed bogeyed with five strokes, while Calum Hill also made par with four strokes, forcing a second playoff hole. On this hole, Hill struggled with a seven-stroke score after trouble off the tee, which ended his chances. Schott played the hole at even par, securing the championship.
Spanish golfer Sergio García, who held the lead multiple times during the tournament, finished the final day with a 68 and shared fourth place with New Zealander Daniel Hillier, both finishing at 16-under par.
Mixed Final Day for Other Contenders
Swiss Joel Girrbach couldn’t maintain his strong previous rounds despite a promising start featuring a birdie and an eagle early on. However, bogeys on holes 8, 11, 15, and 17 led him to an even-par 72 round, concluding the event tied for 31st at nine under par.
Fellow German Nicolai von Dellingshausen struggled on the last day, posting a 74 with just one birdie against three bogeys, dropping 23 spots to tie for 41st place at seven under par.