The DP World Tour kicks off with the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship. Two Germans emerge among the leaders after the first day.
The DP World Tour Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship has commenced at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. Notably, two German players made a strong impression against the international field on the opening day.
Schott Takes the Lead on the DP World Tour, Von Dellingshausen Close Behind
Freddy Schott had a dream start on the first day, making an early statement with six birdies over his first nine holes, including a streak of five in a row, quickly climbing to the top of the leaderboard. A double bogey on his tenth hole briefly slowed his momentum, but Schott recovered well with birdies on the 14th and 17th holes and finished with an eagle on the final hole to share the lead at -7 alongside Spain’s Alejandro Del Rey, who recorded a flawless round with seven birdies and no bogeys.
In pursuit, Nicolai von Dellingshausen posted a strong front nine with birdies on holes 3, 4, 6, and 7 and an eagle on the 9th after a near-perfect approach shot. Despite a bogey on the 11th, he responded with birdies on the 13th and 18th to finish at -6, putting him in a promising chasing position thanks in part to his precise approach shots.
Other DACH Players Show Mixed Results
Marcel Schneider sits in the middle of the field after the opening round, with a mixed performance of five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey resulting in a -1 total. He notably shone on par-3 holes, securing birdies on three out of four par 3s.
Swiss golfer Joel Girrbach posted a solid -2, starting with a birdie followed by eight pars, although he struggled on the back nine with two bogeys. He regained momentum with birdies on holes 15, 16, and 18 to close under par.
Marcel Siem experienced ups and downs, narrowly missing a hole-in-one on the 7th, where he also made a birdie, and adding another birdie on the 9th. He was even par after the front nine but had early bogeys on the back nine, finishing at +2.
Bernd Wiesberger and Maximilian Steinlechner each recorded three birdies and six bogeys, ending the day at +3, in the lower third of the field.
Defending Champion on Track, Reed Announces PGA Tour Return
Last year’s champion Laurie Canter is on course to defend his title, making seven birdies against only one bogey to post -6, placing him close to the lead.
In other news, recent winner Patrick Reed announced before the tournament that he will not return to LIV Golf but plans to rejoin the PGA Tour in summer 2026. On the course, Reed had a mixed round with five birdies and four bogeys, finishing at -1 in the midfield.