Freddy Schott claimed his maiden DP World Tour title in dramatic fashion after a tense play off at the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, edging out Calum Hill and Patrick Reed at Royal Golf Club.
Maiden victory decided in play off drama
Schott finished tied at 17 under par after 72 holes alongside Hill and Reed, with the trio returning to the 18th for a sudden death play off. Reed had charged into contention with a closing 67 to overturn a four shot deficit, while Hill posted a 71 after starting the day two clear. Schott’s steady 69 was enough to earn a place in the decider.
Reed was the first to fall away after a bogey on the opening extra hole. Hill then suffered a cruel twist when he sent his tee shot out of bounds on the second play off hole and followed it with a shot into the water. With Schott safely positioned, the Scot conceded before his rival was required to hole out, handing the German his first Tour victory.
Schott soaks up an unforgettable moment
Presented with the trophy by His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, an emotional Schott struggled to put the achievement into words.
“I have no idea. It’s just amazing, I’m extremely happy and surprised. I don’t really know what’s happening right now,” he said. “I could have done it the regular way and that would have been fine, but to do it this way feels even more special.”
Reflecting on the closing stages, Schott added that he deliberately walked between holes late in the round to calm his nerves and stay present. “These are the moments you play golf for. I’m just glad I got it over the line and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Final round swings and near misses
Hill had earlier threatened to run away with the title, adding to his overnight lead with an opening birdie and stretching four clear after five holes. Momentum swung repeatedly as both players mixed birdies with costly mistakes, including doubles for each on the back nine.
Sergio Garcia and Reed also applied pressure, while Daniel Hillier set the clubhouse target at 16 under with a blemish free 66. Reed briefly reached 18 under but dropped a shot late on, while Hill’s bogey at the last allowed Schott to save par and force the play off.
Hill and Reed eventually shared second place on 17 under, with Garcia and Hillier tied for fourth and Ugo Coussaud finishing sixth.
Growing the game and record crowds in Bahrain
Beyond the leaderboard, the tournament continued to play a key role in developing golf in the Kingdom. Local players Ahmed Alzayed, Ali Alkowari and Khalifa Almaraisi all gained valuable experience competing alongside Major champions, even though they missed the cut.
The event also attracted record interest from fans, with a crowd of 13,186 across four days representing a 30 per cent increase on last year. Spectators enjoyed a festival atmosphere featuring live music, family activities and the Championship Village, underlining Bahrain’s growing reputation as a destination for world class sport.
Organisers have already invited fans to register interest for the 2027 edition as the Championship looks to build on another memorable week at Royal Golf Club.