Nail-biting finish in Bahrain: Freddy Schott clinches his first DP World Tour victory in a playoff against Reed and Hill, rising to 9th in the Race to Dubai.
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain delivered suspense until the very last moment on the DP World Tour. In a strong head-to-head battle among Scotsman Calum Hill, American Patrick Reed, and German Freddy Schott, it was Schott who emerged victorious in a nerve-wracking playoff on the final day. This marks Schott’s maiden DP World Tour triumph. The Düsseldorf native catapults to 9th place in the Race to Dubai standings, climbing 94 spots thanks to his win.
Trio Shares the Lead After Final Round
All three players finished the final Sunday tied at 17-under par atop the leaderboard. Freddy Schott improved by one stroke from the previous day, carding a 69. He shined on the front nine with four birdies but suffered a bogey on hole 8. His back nine was solid overall, despite a double bogey on hole 11. Three more birdies and another bogey led to a daily 3-under par result.
American Patrick Reed closed the tournament with a 67, five under par, hitting seven birdies and two bogeys. This score was close to his best round on Saturday, a 66.
Meanwhile, Calum Hill posted a one-under 71. Thanks to his exceptional 61 on Friday, Hill held a small lead, but his rivals capitalized on his less impressive final round. Despite five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey, Hill could not secure a solo victory at the Royal Golf Club.
DP World Tour: Freddy Schott Triumphs in Dramatic Playoff
The playoff began with Schott making par. Patrick Reed bogeyed with a five, while Calum Hill also made par with four strokes, forcing a continuation at the 18th hole. On the second playoff hole, Hill faltered with a seven on the par-4 and bowed out. Schott played even par to clinch the title.
Spanish golfer Sergio García, who led during the tournament multiple times, finished day four with a 68, tying for fourth alongside New Zealander Daniel Hillier, both 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