The DP World Tour kicks off the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship with two Germans advancing to the top on the opening day.
The DP World Tour Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship has begun at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, where two German players stood out on the first day against an international field.
Schott Leads on DP World Tour, Von Dellingshausen Follows
Freddy Schott had a dream start, making six birdies in his first nine holes, including five consecutive. Despite a double bogey at the tenth, he recovered with additional birdies and an eagle on the last hole to share the lead at -7 with Spain’s Alejandro Del Rey, who shot a flawless round with seven birdies and no bogeys.
In pursuit is Nicolai von Dellingshausen, who posted birdies on holes 3, 4, 6, and 7, and an eagle on the 9th, reaching -5. After a bogey on the 11th, he responded with birdies on 13 and 18, finishing the day at -6 and well-positioned for round two.
Mixed Results for Other DACH Players
Marcel Schneider sits mid-field after round one with a score of -1, showing a strong performance especially on par-3 holes with three birdies out of four. Swiss Joel Girrbach finished at -2 after a solid round featuring birdies on holes 15, 16, and 18.
Marcel Siem experienced highs and lows, narrowly missing a hole-in-one on the 7th, finishing the day at +2. Bernd Wiesberger and Maximilian Steinlechner both ended at +3 after rounds featuring three birdies and six bogeys each.
Defending Champion Laurie Canter Starts Strong
Last year’s winner Laurie Canter is on track to defend his title, scoring seven birdies against a single bogey for a strong -6. Patrick Reed, who recently announced he will not return to LIV Golf and plans a PGA Tour comeback in summer 2026, posted a mixed round of five birdies and four bogeys, finishing at -1.
Due to an interruption on the first day, not all players have completed their opening rounds yet.