Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Bahrain Championship presented by Bapco Energies kicked off in a style in which 135 players from thirty countries are taking part.
The much-awaited tournament is taking place at the Royal Golf Club from February 1 to 4 as the DP World Tour returns to Bahrain for the first time in 13 years.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputised His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), to attend a spectacular opening ceremony for the Bahrain Championship presented by Bapco Energies on Tuesday evening.
Upon his arrival, HH Shaikh Nasser was received by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS); President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), and officials.
HH Shaikh Nasser said hosting the DP World Tour in Bahrain was a demonstration of Bahrain’s distinguished capabilities in hosting high profile international sports, supported by the directives of His Majesty the King. Hosting this event also aligns with the efforts made to advance the progress of golf in Bahrain, which has come a long way through the results achieved by Bahraini champions in various tournaments, he said.
Bahrain’s hosting of the DP World Tour will contribute to enhancing the expertise and skills of Bahraini players and increase the popularity of golf in the kingdom, HH Shaikh Nasser added.
HH Shaikh Nasser said that His Majesty the King has supported the progress of the golf scene in Bahrain, noting that His Majesty was an avid player of this internationally popular sport.
HH Shaikh Nasser wished all participants in the Bahrain Championship success. HH thanked the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), GSA, BOC, Bapco Energies, and other organising partners for supporting the event. In his opening remarks, HH Shaikh Khalid expressed appreciation to HM King for his patronage of the tournament as part of His Majesty’s support for the ongoing development of the sports sector.
HH also thanked His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and HH Shaikh Nasser for their support for the youth and sports sectors. Bahrain is committed to attracting major sports tournaments to strengthen its position and make it a prominent sports destination, Shaikh Khalid said.
A year ago, the Kingdom concluded a partnership contract with the DP World Tour, ensuring all necessary standards are met for hosting events in cooperation with the Royal Golf Club.
“Today we take pride in hosting the DP World Tour, the largest golf tournament in the kingdom’s history, which returns to the kingdom for the first time since 2011 with a record number of 135 participants from over 30 countries,” HH Shaikh Khalid, added.
His Highness thanked the organising partners and supporting entities, expressing appreciation for the DP World Tour’s cooperation and confidence in Bahrain, and wishing all participants, particularly the Bahrain amateur national team players, success.
Keith Pelley, the CEO of the DP World Tour, thanked the Kingdom of Bahrain for organising the tournament, expressing appreciation for all the support and efforts in the organisation of the event.
General admission to the tournament is free of charge for spectators while there will also be a host of premium experiences available, as well as live music and a wealth of F&B options and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
