Nerve-wracking Bahrain finish: Freddy Schott wins playoff against Reed and Hill, claiming his first DP World Tour victory and rising 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 last minute. In a tight battle between Scotsman Calum Hill, American Patrick Reed, and German Freddy Schott, the German emerged victorious in a nerve-wracking playoff on the final day. This victory marked Schott’s first DP World Tour triumph. With this win, the Düsseldorf native soared to 9th place in the Race to Dubai rankings, climbing 94 spots.
Trio shares the lead after final round
All three players finished the final Sunday tied at 17 under par at the top of the leaderboard. Freddy Schott improved by one stroke from the previous day with a 69. He shone with four birdies on the front nine but took a bogey on hole 8. His back nine was steady despite a double bogey at hole 11. Three more birdies and a bogey resulted in a three-under-par round.
American Patrick Reed closed with a 67, five under par, including seven birdies and two bogeys, nearly matching his tournament-best 66 from Saturday.
Scottish player Calum Hill carded a solid but less spectacular 71, one under par, maintaining a high leaderboard position thanks to his amazing 61 on Friday. Nevertheless, his competitors narrowed the gap on the final day with five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey, leaving him unable to claim a solo victory.
DP World Tour: Dramatic playoff decision for Freddy Schott
The playoff began with Freddy Schott posting a par on the 18th hole. Patrick Reed faltered with a bogey, while Calum Hill also made par, forcing a second playoff hole. On the next Par-4, Hill struggled with a seven, conceding the win. Schott held steady with an even-par hole, clinching the tournament victory.
Spanish golfer Sergio García, who had held the lead multiple times during the tournament, finished the day with a 68, sharing fourth place with New Zealander Daniel Hillier, both at 16 under par.
Other notable performances
Swiss Joel Girrbach, despite a strong start with a birdie and eagle back-to-back, could not maintain momentum and finished with an even-par 72. He ended the tournament at nine under par, dropping 13 places to T31.
German Nicolai von Dellingshausen struggled on the final day, shooting a 74 with just one birdie and three bogeys, finishing tied for 41st at seven under par.