Bahrain Open is postponed

THE latest sporting victim to the civil unrest in Bahrain is the 48th Bahrain Open Championship held in the Awali Golf Club which was set to tee off this weekend.

Golfers from around the world were set to fly into the kingdom to compete in this prestigious golfing fixture in Sakhir.

Lynn St Lawrence, who is handling publicity for the event, said on Monday: "We are very disappointed as there has been a lot of work put into it. But due to the present circumstances the Open will be delayed until further notice. It will go ahead when matters in the kingdom are resolved."

The Awali Golf Club is the oldest desert sand course in the region and has been operating since 1938. The first Bahrain Open was played on March 5-6 in1964 and attracted 63 entries. Players, with a handicap of 14 or under, came from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to take part.

St Lawrence added: "The enthusiasm for this competition has grown immensely over the years and has become an annual event attracting players from all over the world."

This year's event had attracted 83 entries with a large contingent of players from Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Germany, UK and Russia all with handicaps of 9 or below.

The competition was open to professionals and amateurs - with professionals eligible to win cash prizes and amateurs golf shop vouchers, as well as trophies.

Prizes are also awarded to the player and runner-up with the best gross score outside the main competition on both days. A 'Hole in One' on the sixth hole can also capture a top-of-the-range Jeep donated by Ahmed Zayani & Sons.

The championship is a particular favourite with players because of its unique challenges. The level of difficulty is intensified by championship tees which add considerable length to many of the holes on the par 70, 6,309 yards course. Putting on the oiled 'sand browns' as opposed to playing on regular course greens, are an additional factor, especially in windy conditions.

Then there are the fairways and the famous 'Awali' bounce that can change the course of a great shot to tragedy. Getting used to a 12-inch round mat with artificial grass can also be a trial for some.

Despite many countries issuing safety alerts concerning travel to Bahrain it appeared that golfers were happy to fly in until violence once again erupted on the streets on Sunday.

The Awali contest also attracts a large number of spectators which is a double blow for the popular community club.

The winner in 1964 was Ian Denver with a score of 148 after a 3-hole play off. Runner-up was Peter McGregor and third place went to Dave Worsham.

Last year, Bahraini Hamad Mubarak Al Afnan won the 47th Bahrain Open Golf Championship with a final round score of six-under 64 that blew away the competition. He had a two-day total of two-under-par 138, which was enough to claim the title by a single stroke over fellow-Bahraini Abdulla Sultan Al Hakam.

Al Afnan, 44, from Hamad Town, is a member of the Bahrain National Golf Team. He said: "This championship is a fantastic opportunity for Bahraini golfers as it is a great experience and good practice for the international competitions. We tend to face a lot of tough players. I was hoping to win again this year. Now I am praying for peace in the Kingdom of Bahrain."