Three-time Major Champion Pádraig Harrington, current Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper and past winner Dylan Frittelli are set to tee it up at the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship from January 29-February 1.
The trio will join 2025 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Martin Couvra at Royal Golf Club in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the third edition of the tournament held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Ireland’s Harrington returns for a second time, having finished five-under-par and tied for 38th in last year’s tournament. The World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, who won back-to-back Open Championships in 2007 and 2008, followed by the 2008 PGA Championship, continues to compete at the highest level, adding two Senior Major championships to his list of achievements in 2025.
“Having really enjoyed last year’s tournament, I’m looking forward to returning to Royal Golf Club later this month,” said Harrington. “The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship brings a great deal of excitement to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and I’m delighted to once again be part of the event.”
Schaper, the current leader of the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World, will look to continue his dominant start to the 2026 season. The South African has claimed consecutive DP World Tour victories, securing back-to-back play-off wins at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, and currently leads the standings with 1,348 Race to Dubai points.
“I’m excited to be coming back to Bahrain and joining the field for this special event,” said Schaper. “Royal Golf Club is a fantastic venue and hopefully we can showcase some great golf for the local fans.”
Fellow countryman Frittelli comes into the event with one title under his belt, having made three birdies in his final six holes to record a two-shot victory in the 2024 edition. It marked the 35-year-old’s third DP World Tour win and his first in six years.
“Bahrain will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Frittelli. “I’m looking forward to returning and hopefully creating some more great memories at Royal Golf Club later this month.”
The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is the third event on the Race to Dubai’s International Swing, and the third consecutive event to be played in the Middle East after the Dubai Invitational and Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Bapco Energies became Title Partner of the tournament for the first time in 2025, moving up from presenting partner in 2024. The partnership focuses on elevating the tournament experience for players, stakeholders, and spectators alike, establishing Bahrain’s premier international golf tournament as a world-class attraction.
The tournament is also pioneering environmental initiatives focused on energy provision, including powering hospitality units and structures with solar energy and batteries.
Fans will be able to witness the action at Royal Golf Club with free general admission tickets, while elevated and premium experiences are also available. Outside of the world class golf action, friends and families will be treated to a full programme of activities and entertainment, including a 100m zip line over the top of the Royal Golf Club, kids entertainment and activities, traditional Bahraini souq and a wealth of food and beverage options.
