The Bahrain Championship 2024 unfolded as a captivating spectacle of skill and determination at the prestigious Royal Golf Club. Against the backdrop of Bahrain’s scenic beauty, golf enthusiasts witnessed an exhilarating display of athleticism as some of the top golfers in the world vied for the coveted title.
Fritelli Wins
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, a keen golfer himself, was present to witness South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli who clinched victory. Fritelli secured his third DP World Tour
title with a closing round of one under 71, finishing at 13 under for the tournament. Frittelli’s win, amidst formidable competition, underscored his resilience and prowess on the course. “It feels great, it feels awesome,” expressed Frittelli, reflecting on his journey to victory. “It’s been a long road, but it feels awesome to be back on top right now.”
Despite facing early setbacks, including bogeys on the front nine, Frittelli rallied with back-to-back birdies to regain momentum and secure his lead.
His remarkable performance was acknowledged as His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presented him with the championship trophy, marking a momentous occasionin Bahrain’s sporting history.
A Royal Welcome
At the presentation ceremony, His Majesty King Hamad remarked: ”The Kingdom of Bahrain is a country of firsts in the region: the first to discover oil in 1932, and also the first to have a golf course, in 1934 in Awali, just 2 km from here. And the first open golf tournament in the Gulf was held here in Bahrain in 1964.
I understand that we have had a magnificent tournament on this splendid but tough course over the last 4 days. My hearty congratulations to all the players and all those who have helped to organise the tournament, including the Bahraini organisations and sponsors, the Royal Golf Club and the many volunteers.
I know it has involved much hard work and preparation. I think everybody can be very proud of what has been achieved. We look forward to welcoming you all back to the Kingdom of Bahrain next year.”
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports; His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) were also present at the occasion alongside Keith Pelley, DP World Tour Chief Executive.
Expressing immense pride in His Majesty’s patronage, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa underscored the significant impact it had on the tournament’s success. He emphasised that this royal support reflects the unwavering commitment of His Majesty to the sports movement.
His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa asserts that hosting this tournament has solidified Bahrain’s standing on the global golf map, positioning it as a key destination for golf tournaments in the region.
Keith Pelley, DP World Tour Chief Executive, said it was good to return to Bahrain after 13 years. He thanked Bahrain and its people for their hospitality, commending the support of HM the King for golf and thanking HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad for attending the opening of the championship and HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad for his efforts in following up on the efforts to prepare for the event and ensure its success.
Pelley said the championship has shed light on the beauty of Bahrain. “All rounds of the championship have been viewed by golf fans in 550 million households across 160 countries,” he added.
Royal Golf Club Shines
“The Royal Golf Club was magnificent, providing a true test for our professionals. The improvements over the past six months, with redesigned greens, bunker upgrades, and complete course overseeding, truly paid off. At 13 under par, the winning score reflects a challenging course, yet players appreciated it and look forward to an even better experience in 2025.”
Schmeisser went on to highlight the incredible fan engagement, mentioning initiatives specifically aimed at younger audiences. “Returning to Bahrain after 13 years was fantastic, and the welcome we received was overwhelming. Free entry for spectators proved successful, attracting over 7,753 attendees, exceeding our expectations. Alongside world-class golf, they enjoyed a vibrant Championship Village featuring live music, roaming entertainment, and a dedicated kids zone with activities like mini golf and bouncy castles. Local flavour was added with a traditional Bahraini souk and craft market.”
“The ‘Golf For All’ zone allowed everyone to try the game, while food trucks and refreshments created a festival atmosphere around the course. The Bahrain Championship was much more than just a tournament; it was, and will always be, a festival for all.”
The tournament produced its share of memorable moments, with the presence of His Majesty the King being a personal highlight for Schmeisser: “His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa’s patronage, along with the support of various sporting bodies, made this event
possible. Having the King personally present the trophy to Dylan Frittelli on Sunday was truly spectacular. Additionally, the stunning opening ceremony attended by dignitaries set the perfect tone for the week.”
As the sun set on the Bahrain Championship 2024, it left an indelible mark on the hearts of players and spectators alike. The event not only showcased the pinnacle of golfing talent but also highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to excellence in sports. With anticipation building for the next edition, the Bahrain Championship continues to shine as a beacon of sporting prowess in the region.
