Nerve-wracking finish in Bahrain: Freddy Schott clinched his first DP World Tour victory in a playoff against Reed and Hill, rising to 9th in the Race to Dubai.
At the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour remained tense until the final moment. In a strong head-to-head competition between Scotsman Calum Hill, American Patrick Reed, and German Freddy Schott, Schott ultimately prevailed in a nerve-wracking playoff on the final day. This victory marked Schott’s first triumph on the DP World Tour. His success moved the Düsseldorf native up 94 places to 9th in the Race to Dubai standings.
Trio Shares the Lead After Final Round
All three players finished Sunday at 17 under par, tied at the top of 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 had a bogey on the 8th hole. His back nine was solid despite a double bogey on the 11th, finishing three under par for the day after three more birdies and another bogey.
American Patrick Reed carded a 67, five under par, with seven birdies and two bogeys, approaching his best round of the tournament, a 66 on Saturday.
Scot Calum Hill shot an even par 71, maintaining a high position on the leaderboard thanks to his exceptional 61 on Friday. However, his challengers closed the gap on the final day. Despite five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey, Hill fell short of clinching a solo victory at the Royal Golf Club.
DP World Tour: Freddy Schott Prevails in Dramatic Playoff
The playoff began with Freddy Schott making par. Patrick Reed recorded a bogey with five strokes, while Calum Hill also made par with four strokes, leading to a second trip on the 18th hole. On the second playoff hole, Hill faltered with seven strokes on the par-4, relinquishing his chances. Schott maintained even par to secure his maiden DP World Tour title.
Spanish golfer Sergio García, who had led multiple times during the event, finished day four with a 68 and tied with New Zealander Daniel Hillier for fourth place at 16 under par.
The moment Freddy Schott became a winner on Tour 🙌
He beat Calum Hill on the second play-off hole as the Scotsman conceded after going out of bounds off the tee and then into the water with his fourth shot. #BahrainGolfChamps pic.twitter.com/GhZCRaRR6v