The quartet, all rising stars on the DP World Tour, will compete at Al Hamra Golf Club from January 25-28 before heading to Royal Golf Club in Bahrain the following week during the International Swing on the new-look 2024 Race to Dubai.

The events follow back-to-back weeks in Dubai with the Dubai Invitational and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as the Middle East forms the focal point of the DP World Tour’s early 2024 schedule.

With defending champion Daniel Gavins having already confirmed his return to Ras Al Khaimah along with three-time Major Champion Pádraig Harrington and DP World Tour winners Rasmus Højgaard and Pablo Larrazábal, the field for the showdown at Al Hamra Golf Club is starting to take shape.

Padraig Harrington – Jared C. Tilton

Bradbury, who enjoyed a stand-out debut season in 2023, is looking forward to progressing further in 2024 after finishing 36th in his maiden year on the Race to Dubai.

“I enjoy playing golf in the Middle East so I’m excited to head back to Ras Al Khaimah and also visit Bahrain for the first time. They should be great events,” he said.

Fellow countryman Fitzpatrick earned his playing privileges for 2024 through a combination of the Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca and strong performances in limited starts on the DP World Tour, including a tie for 17th in The Open at Royal Liverpool, and is now able to play a full schedule on the Race to Dubai.

“There was quite a lot of pressure last year because I felt like I had to play well in the limited opportunities I got to play, so it’s quite nice now to be able to plan my schedule a bit more,” said Fitzpatrick. “It’s always nice to go out to the Middle East so I’m looking forward to getting out there next month.”

Germany’s Paul, who won the 2021 Mallorca Golf Open, is also looking to build on a strong 2023 which included two runner-up finishes and five other top tens.

“I felt like I played some good golf last season, particularly in the first part of the year, so hopefully I can do that again next year. I can’t wait to see everybody in Ras Al Khaimah and Bahrain,” he said.

Two-time DP World Tour winner Smith is someone who knows Al Hamra Golf Club well, having won the Challenge Tour’s Ras Al Khaimah, 2016 Golf Challenge, and always enjoys returning to a place where he’s enjoyed previous success.

Jordan Smith – Challenge Tour / Getty Images

“That victory in 2016 effectively secured the number one spot on the Challenge Tour Rankings for me, so I’ll always enjoy going back to Al Hamra,” said Smith. “This event, in addition to Bahrain, will be a really fun part of the schedule and I’m looking forward to getting out there.”

Main Image: DP World Tour / Getty Images

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Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic said: “We’re delighted to partner with IFZA as we prepare to deliver the historic 35^th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January.

“This new partnership is of strategic importance with IFZA playing a key part in supporting Dubai’s economic growth in recent years, and this collaboration is another step forward that will help enhance our position as one of the leading golf tournaments in the global calendar while providing memorable experiences for players, officials and our fans alike.”

Jochen Knecht, IFZA’s CEO said: “IFZA is delighted to be a partner of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The event has incredible legacy and is a standard bearer for quality and excellence in the region. For 35 years, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has been bringing the world’s greatest golfers to Dubai – this fits perfectly with IFZA’s commitment to position Dubai as a strategic business and lifestyle destination as we assist business leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world to establish their businesses in Dubai so we can create success together.

“IFZA is undergoing unprecedented international expansion to drive business generation from markets around the world into Dubai. A part of this drive will see IFZA offices in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, China and the Americas. In addition, through our IFZA Cares programme, we have strong social and environmental values which we will bring to life at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic through our mangrove planting initiative.”

As the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, IFZA optimises the country’s strategic location and world-class infrastructure to enable organisations to set up their business in Dubai to create success. To date, they have incorporated thousands of businesses from key international markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, India and China, into UAE.

As part of the partnership, IFZA will provide invaluable support to help deliver the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region’s longest-running golf tournament, first held in 1989. In addition, as part of its ongoing environmental efforts, IFZA will plant a mangrove sapling at one of its existing planting locations in the UAE for every car that is parked by visitors at Emirates Golf Club during the milestone 35^th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 18^th to 21st January.

Its ecosystem is designed to provide a network of support to entrepreneurs and businesses beyond company formation, including commercial real estate, insurance, banking support, accounting services and professional training through the IFZA Academy for Training FZCO.

Just four weeks remain until the Emirates Golf Club welcomes some of golf’s biggest names for the Rolex Series tournament. World No.2 and defending champion, Rory McIlroy, will be searching for his historic fourth title with organisers set to confirm further names for this year’s stellar line-up in the coming weeks.

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The tournament, which was won by Finland’s Sami Välimäki in 2023, will take place from February 8-11, 2024 at Doha Golf Club, as it returns to its traditional date in the early part of the year.

The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters will be the fifth stop on the International Swing – and the last of five in the Middle East – before the Swing concludes in Africa, with the Magical Kenya Open, SDC Championship and Jonsson Workwear Open.

Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament Business Officer at the DP World Tour, said: “We are thrilled to complete the International Swing by adding the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

“The event has been a staple on the DP World Tour schedule for over 25 years and we must thank Commercial Bank, Doha Golf Club, the Qatar Golf Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee for their support in making this event what it is today.

“We are looking forward to working together again in 2024 as we plan for another highly successful staging of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.”

Doha Golf Club – Getty Images

Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, President of the Qatar Golf Association, said: “We are delighted to announce that the 2024 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters will be taking place at Doha Golf Club from 8 – 11 February 2024.

“The long-standing appearance on the DP World Tour schedule continues, and with a date change to the start of the season to fit in with the International Swing. Preparations are well under way, together with the title sponsor Commercial Bank, and we look forward to welcoming the players, golf fans and our valued sponsors to Doha Golf Club for another edition of world-class golf.”

Hussain Al Abdulla, Executive General Manager, Marketing and Alternative Assets at Commercial Bank, said: “The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters stands out as one of Qatar’s cherished annual sporting occasions, providing diverse experiences for players, golf fans, and families alike. Enthusiasts can witness the skills of the world’s finest golfers, while families can relish a weekend outdoors, fostering connections in the family zone and public village.

“Aligned with our strategic vision, this event contributes to positioning Qatar as a significant participant in the sports industry. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable platform for Qatar’s promising golf talents to share the field with the global elite. We are honoured to collaborate once again with the QGA, QOC, and Doha Golf Club to deliver a premier golfing event in the region.”

The International Swing is part of the new-look 2024 Race to Dubai, where each of the five Global Swings will have its own identity and its own Champion who will each earn $200,000 from an overall $1million Bonus Pool. Swing Champions will also qualify for the ‘Back 9’ events, before the season concludes with the DP World Tour Play-Offs.

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The trio join World Number Two Rory McIlroy and his Ryder Cup teammate Nicolai Højgaard, who won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last month, in the field featuring 60 professionals and 60 amateurs.

The Dubai Invitational will see a 72-hole strokeplay DP World Tour tournament played concurrently with a three-day team Pro-Am, with Sunday featuring professionals only.

Donald, who Captained Team Europe to a 16½ – 11½ victory against the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, was recently announced as Europe’s first repeat Captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

Victorious Team Europe in Rome – Getty

The former World Number One will lead Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York and is looking forward to the prospect of beginning his 2024 DP World Tour season in Dubai.

“It’s great to start my 2024 season at the Dubai Invitational,” said Donald. “We always get a lot of support from the fans when the Tour visits Dubai. It’s a cool place to play golf and with the added novelty of this being a brand-new event on the calendar, I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic experience for everyone.”

Six-time DP World Tour winner and Dubai resident Fleetwood will make back-to-back appearances on the DP World Tour next month as the Englishman looks to build on momentum generated from an impressive 2023 season, which included his second Ryder Cup win, and a runner up finish in Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship.

Naomi Baker/Getty Images

New Zealander Fox secured his biggest career victory to date at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship after posting a five under par round of 67 on Sunday to lift the famous trophy at Wentworth Club in England.

The 36-year-old now has four DP World Tour victories to his name, including the 2022 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which features similarities to the Pro-Am format at the Dubai Invitational.

“I’m really excited for what 2024 has to offer and kickstarting things at the Dubai Invitational will be a fun week,” said Fox. “I’ve always enjoyed playing the Pro-Am format, it’s a unique way for us to compete and I’ve had success playing alongside some interesting characters from all walks of life.”

Richard Heathcote

Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East for the DP World Tour, said: “We’re excited to be launching the Dubai Invitational for the first time as part of our expanded 2024 DP World Tour schedule. The event will ensure we start the season in style, and we can’t wait to welcome 60 professionals and 60 amateurs to the fantastic Dubai Creek Resort in January.”

Chris May, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Golf, added: “With less than one month to go, final preparations for the Dubai Invitational at the historic Dubai Creek Resort are well under way. We’re looking forward to hosting another DP World Tour event here in Dubai – one that promises to deliver something for everyone to enjoy.”

The first event on the International Swing on the DP World Tour’s new 2024 schedule, the Dubai Invitational will be played bi-annually in 2024, 2026 and 2028.

Main Image: DP World Tour / Getty Images

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The South African entered round four at Heritage La Réserve Golf Club with a one-shot lead but soon saw that disappear as playing partner Jacques P de Villiers, England’s Laurie Canter and the charging Sebastian Söderberg all staked a claim.

.@Louis57TM wins back-to-back events for the first time in his career ?#AfrAsiaBankMauritiusOpen pic.twitter.com/IdswcFcXUq

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) December 17, 2023

It was nip and tuck over a dramatic back nine in the Indian Ocean but in the end Oosthuizen’s 69 was enough to hand him a two-shot victory over Canter at 17 under.

South African de Villiers, Swede Söderberg – who carded the lowest round of the day with a 63 – and England’s Daniel Brown finished at 14 under, one clear of South Africa’s Jayden Schaper.

Oosthuizen’s victory also saw Min Woo Lee crowned the winner of the Opening Swing, handing the Australian US$200,000 and a place in the second part of the DP World Tour season – the Back 9.

The triumph at the weather-delayed Alfred Dunhill Championship last time out was Oosthuizen’s first for five years but he now has two in six days, with this week’s coming over a course he co-designed with Peter Matkovich.

“Golf is the strangest thing,” he said. “The last five weeks I’ve not done a lot with golf, I’ve played a few rounds and when I got to Leopard Creek I was working on a small little thing. I started hitting it really good and I know I’m putting well and then I just carried on with that momentum.

“I started off very poorly and that errant second shot on 16 made it interesting but I hit a few good shots coming in… I’m glad I held onto it.

“I’m glad I could pull this off this week, it’s sort of a dream come true being able to play a tournament on a golf course you helped design and end up winning it.

“This is the first event my daughters have been to where I won, this is very special.”

Both Oosthuizen and De Villiers dropped shots after missing the green at the fourth and there was a two-shot swing on the par-five next as Oosthuizen needed a drop off the tee and De Villiers got up and down for birdie.

Canter had made a two-putt birdie on the par five and he followed it with another gain from eight feet on the driveable sixth but De Villiers made an excellent up-and-down after finding a tricky spot off the tee on the same hole to lead alone.

Oosthuizen also took advantage of the short par four despite finding sand off the tee, with an excellent pitch at the par-five eighth helping him move back into a share of top spot.

The 41-year-old then holed a very long putt at the tenth to lead alone and both he and De Villiers made two-putt birdies on the par-five 12th before the latter got back into a share following a brilliant second after missing the green at the driveable par-four 13th.

Canter had done well to save par after missing the green at the ninth and tenth and he kept himself right in the mix, making two putts from the fringe on the 12th and driving the 13th to be just one shot back.

De Villiers joined him at 15 under after a three-putt on the 15th and Oosthuizen was two ahead when a beautiful pitch on the same hole spun back to tap-in range.

The lead was cut to one after a ragged Oosthuizen tee-shot and second at the 16th and De Villiers’ chance was gone after missing the green at the par-three 17th.

Canter could not take advantage of the par-five 18th as he signed for a bogey-free 68 to hand Oosthuizen a one-shot lead coming down the last and a two-putt birdie extended the winning margin, with De Villiers making par for a 71.

Söderberg twice held the lead and set the clubhouse target earlier in the day before the later groups edged clear, recovering from an opening bogey with ten birdies as he came home in 29.

Brown was bogey-free in his 65, making birdies on the fifth, seventh, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th and last.

Schaper sandwiched five birdies with bogeys on the fourth and 17th in his 69 to finish a shot ahead of countrymen Thomas Aiken, Lyle Rowe and Darren Fichardt and two clear of American John Catlin.

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Ras Al Khaimah will host the DP World Tour for the third consecutive year, with Al Hamra Golf Club once again welcoming some of the world’s best golfers to the Emirate from January 25-28, 2024.

The event will be the third stop on the DP World Tour’s International Swing, following the inaugural Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort and the 35^th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Last year, Gavins won his second DP World Tour title in the most dramatic of circumstances as he claimed victory by just one stroke after a double bogey on the 72^nd and final hole.

Daniel Gavins

The Englishman had a three-stroke lead on the 18^th tee but found the water twice on the daunting closing hole, however he held his nerve on the green as he made a 25-foot putt to take the title.

“It was fantastic to win my second DP World Tour title in Ras Al Khaimah, but I would have liked for it to have been less stressful,” said Gavins.

“I’m really pleased with how I kept my composure and made that putt on the last, it’s a moment I’ll always remember and it’s something I’m very proud of.”

Four-time DP World Tour winner Rasmus Højgaard will be looking to follow in his twin brother Nicolai’s footsteps when he tees it up in Ras Al Khaimah, after Nicolai won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2021.

“You want to win every time you play a tournament, and my brother and I are very competitive, so it would be special to see both of our names on the same trophy,” he said.

“I really feel as though I had an opportunity to win last year, so I’m hoping to make amends when I return to Al Hamra.”

Rasmus Højgaard – Getty Images

Larrazábal, who is seeking a tenth DP World Tour title, has claimed four wins on three continents since March 2022, with two wins in Europe, and one each in Africa and Asia.

The Spaniard is no stranger to winning in the United Arab Emirates, having claimed the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in 2014, beating Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson to the title by one stroke. He also finished in a share of third at the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Classic.

“It will have been ten years since my victory in Abu Dhabi and it would be great to win again in the United Arab Emirates,” said Larrazábal. “I have really enjoyed my experiences in Ras Al Khaimah, and I’m sure we’ll get a warm welcome when we return in 2024.”

Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen will be teeing up in search of an eighth DP World Tour win and will arrive at Al Hamra buoyed by his tied fourth finish in the event earlier this year. The Dane has had consecutive winning years on the DP World Tour and he ended the season ninth on last year’s Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, his second-highest career finish.

“I always enjoy starting my season in the UAE, so I’m excited to return to Ras Al Khaimah in January,” said Olesen.

“Al Hamra is a great venue and it’s a course I felt very comfortable on earlier this year. I’m looking forward to going back.”

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They will join defending champion and World Number Two Rory McIlroy at the iconic Emirates Golf Club for the first Rolex Series event of the 2024 Race to Dubai, from January 18-21.

Reigning Open Champion Harman sealed his maiden Major title at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July during a stellar season which saw him notch up six further top tens – including two runner-up finishes – on the PGA TOUR and make his Ryder Cup debut in Rome in September. 

The World Number Nine, who will make his Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut in January, said: “I’m excited to tee it up in Dubai for the first time. It looks like a stunning venue that has identified great champions. I’d love to add my name to that list.”

Six-time DP World Tour winner and Dubai resident Fleetwood is more familiar with the Majlis Course, with the World Number 14 returning for his 13th consecutive appearance at the event.

The 2017 Race to Dubai champion rounded out a memorable season – which included his second Ryder Cup win – with a runner-up finish in Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship, and he is aiming for further success in the United Arab Emirates, following his back-to-back victories in Abu Dhabi in 2017 and 2018.

Fleetwood said: “This an event that I love, I’ve played the Hero Dubai Desert Classic every year since I came out on Tour. I look forward to playing in front of friends and family again in January.”

Hatton, who enjoyed Ryder Cup success alongside European teammates Fleetwood and McIlroy in Rome, has four top ten finishes in his nine previous Hero Dubai Desert Classic appearances. He has also tasted past success in the region, with the last of his six DP World Tour titles coming at the 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The World Number 12 will be seeking a record-equalling fifth Rolex Series win when he tees it up in Dubai once again.

Hatton said: “It’s always a great tournament and I’ve played well in the past. I’m looking forward to getting back to Emirates Golf Club and hopefully adding to my success in the region.” 

American Young will join compatriot Harman in making his Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut, and just his second regular DP World Tour event appearance following the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open.

The 26-year-old, who was named PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year for the 2021/22 season, enjoyed five top ten finishes this season, including runner-up at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and T7 at the Masters, adding to his burgeoning Major credentials following top three finishes at the US PGA Championship and The Open in 2022.  

The World Number 21 said: “I’m looking forward to getting over to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the first time. I’ve heard many great things about both Dubai and the event. It’ll be a fun week of competition to help kickstart my year.”

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Brian Harman and Cameron Young for the first time to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2024 while also seeing the return of Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton again.

“They have all achieved great success in their careers so far and their rankings speaks for itself of how competitive they are. By lining up for the tournament not only makes the field stronger but it also solidifies the Hero Dubai Desert Classic’s position as one of the best golf tournaments in the world and presents a fantastic opportunity for fans to watch the best stars in action.”

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be celebrating its 35th anniversary and its recent official certification as the first Geo-Certified event in the Middle East, and the first in the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series.

This year’s event combines world-class golf with a huge array of family-friendly entertainment.  Spectators can look forward to a wider variety of options off the course than ever before with something for fans of all ages to enjoy across the tournament. 

Free general admission tickets and limited hospitality packages for the Dallah Lounge are still available at dubaidesertclassic.com. 

Organisers are also encouraging fans to use the Metro service to travel to and from the tournament, with Al Khail station located directly outside the club’s main entrance.

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Registration is now open for the Rolex Series event which will be held from 18th to 21st January at Emirates Golf Club. Defending champion and World No.2 Rory McIlroy, who will be searching for his historic fourth Dallah Trophy, has already confirmed his participation, with more big names to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Previous editions have been hugely successful, and organisers are encouraging people to be part of the world-class team and play a key role in delivering another incredible weekend of competition both on and off the course. Each volunteer will be required to commit for at least two days, with the team needed prior to and during the tournament from Monday 15th January to Sunday 21st January 2024.

Whether or not you’re an avid golf fan, volunteers aged 16 and over can look forward to gaining invaluable experience while getting an unrivalled insight into what it takes to run an event of this nature. Organisers are also accepting applications from those who are aged between 12 to 15 but must be accompanied by a guardian.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director  The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “The success of every Dubai Desert Classic edition that we have staged would not be possible without the support of our fantastic team of volunteers who are truly our unsung heroes.

“To give up their time and energy no matter how many days they volunteer is something we really appreciate, and we encourage people from all over the world to get involved in what will be a historic 35th edition of the tournament.

“From walking marshals, who will walk alongside the elite players and be responsible for crowd control at each hole to assisting TV crew, there are various roles to choose from where people can make a huge difference and we look forward to receiving a raft of applications in the coming weeks.”

Free general admission and hospitality tickets are still available, and organisers have a wide array of family-entertainment lined up on all four days. 

Fans are encouraged to use the Metro service to travel to and from the tournament, with Al Khail station located directly outside the club’s main entrance.

To register as a volunteer, click here ahead of 31 December 2023 deadline.

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“This is one of the tournaments that I’ve always wanted to win,” said Oosthuizen, who completed 11 holes of his final round on Monday.

“It took me a while. It’s always a great place coming back to. I wouldn’t say 18 was kind to me this time, but I managed it a little bit, maybe not on the last hole there but I got it through.

“I feel very calm now. Rupes put a text this morning that said whoever plays 18 thinking the best is going to win. I just got on that tee shot and wanted to hit a seven wood but with all the rain it felt like it was so wet while we were standing I thought I’m just going to hit my driver down the left and obviously made a bad swing.

“The golf course was unbelievable. I can’t believe we got a fourth round in with everything we got. It’s such a great place to come to, and this is a tournament that I really really wanted.

“I had a good run there through 13 to 15 and I’m glad to see Charl with all the things he was going through with his shoulder with injuries that he’s playing well and I just got lucky on this one.”

After threat of lightning and heavy rain meant the final group could complete just seven holes on day four, the final group returned to the eighth fairway on Monday morning just after at 9am local time to resume their final rounds.

Tied at the top with Schwartzel on 16 under par, Oosthuizen almost immediately gained an advantage due to an expert up and down as the four-time champion hit a wayward approach into the trees and had to scramble for an opening bogey to drop one behind.

After trading pars at the ninth and three-putts for bogey at ten, both men responded with a birdie at the 11th: After Oosthuizen spun his wedge shot back beautifully past the pin to set up his birdie, Schwartzel sunk his own gain with a putt from off the green.

A second long putt in as many holes saw Schwartzel briefly climb back alongside the leader, but from there it was Oosthuizen who pulled ahead. With long putts of his own for back-to-back birdies at 13 and 14, he then hit another excellent wedge shot at the 15th to help seal a three-shot advantage with three to play.

While it initially seemed a comfortable advantage, there was still drama to be had. A mistake at the par four 17th saw the leader’s par save slide by the hole to reduce his lead to two, and his tee shot at the 18th hit a tree and found its way into the stream that separates the 18th and ninth holes at Leopard Creek Golf Club.

It opened the door for Schwartzel to attempt to force a playoff, but his second shot to the par five only narrowly missed the water at the side of the green, and his wedge shot wasn’t much closer than Oosthuizen’s fourth. There was still a chance for him, but Oosthuizen closed that door with his winning putt, and Schwartzel missed his birdie chance to finish the hole on the same score they started, securing his fifth runner-up finish in this tournament.

Fellow playing partner Bezuidenhout had originally started the final round five strokes back but birdied three of his first five to enter Monday’s completion just three behind, but played the remaining holes in one under to finish in solo third on 14 under par.

Four shots behind him were Challenge Tour Road to Mallorca Rankings winner Marco Penge, German Matt Schmid and Frenchman Darius Van Driel on ten under, with a group of four further players rounding out the top ten on nine under – which included Jayden Schaper, whose tie for seventh is a third consecutive top ten in the Opening Swing.

Main Image: Luke Walker Getty Images

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The tournament, which will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, will mark the DP World Tour’s first visit to the Kingdom since 2011 and forms part of the International Swing on the 2024 Race to Dubai.

Former Ryder Cup Captain Bjørn, who is Denmark’s most successful golfer of all-time with 15 DP World Tour wins to his name, will return to the Kingdom for the first time in 13 years, since he finished in a tie for 44th at the Volvo Golf Champions.

“I am looking forward to returning to Bahrain in February and seeing how the country has changed since my last visit almost 13 years ago,” said Bjørn, who has twice enjoyed success here in the Middle East with victories in the 2001 Dubai Desert Classic and the 2011 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

“The beauty of the DP World Tour is we get to visit so many interesting places and help bring golf to new audiences, and I am thrilled to help to achieve that with the Bahrain Championship.

“I would like to thank His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for welcoming us to his Kingdom and I can’t wait to visit early next year.”

With just over 50 days to go until the eagerly-anticipated event, which has a prize fund of US$2.5 million, the Royal Golf Club course has undergone extensive upgrades, supported by Osool Asset Management and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Among the key enhancements is the upgrading of a number of greens on the front nine to ensure it is in prime condition to welcome the elite stars of the DP World Tour.

Freddie Schmeisser, Championship Director of the Bahrain Championship, said: “We are looking forward to returning to the Kingdom of Bahrain next year as part of the DP World Tour’s International Swing and excitement is now building and Thomas committing to play.

“Royal Golf Club is a fitting venue for the Bahrain Championship and will be a great day out for all the family, with world class golf and a host of off-course activities.”

The Bahrain Championship will be one of four events in the Middle East as part of the new International Swing on the revamped 2024 Race to Dubai.

The tournament follows the inaugural Dubai Invitational, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the first Rolex Series event of the season, and the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

There are five Global Swings in the first part of the season, with the International Swing running from January to March. Each Swing will have its own identity and its own Champion who will each earn $200,000 from an overall $1million Bonus Pool. Swing Champions will also qualify for each of the ‘Back 9’ events later in the season.

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