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THE 55th Bahrain Open Championship tees off this weekend with 102 registered players ready to play for glory on Friday and Saturday, with space for only six more. The only entry requirement is a handicap of 12 or better.
Awali Golf Club vice-captain and tournament director Serwin Rampersad is thrilled that the club’s most prestigious tournament continues to attract the region’s top players after so many years.
He said: “We’re very proud to have people from different nationalities coming from all over the world to take part in this popular and challenging tournament.
“With golf on ‘sand’, most people will talk about how and why but you really have to experience it to understand it. Playing on sand with the famous ‘Awali bounce’ is a big thing in Bahrain and the Open is a great opportunity for amateurs and professional players alike to display their skills over two days at our fantastic club.”
Players will play two rounds, one on Friday and the other on Saturday, and the best gross score over both will be declared the winner. There are also nett prizes on both days, which take into account score adjusted for handicap, meaning there is a goal for everyone to aspire to regardless of skill level.
Furthermore, AGC will welcome back two previous club professionals, Matt Chalmers and former Bahrain Open winner Dave Park along with five other pros, including new club professional Rory Young.
Defending champion Saleh Ali Musbah Al Kaabi will also return to defend his crown in what looks like being one of the strongest fields in the competition’s history. Rampersad added: “As vice-captain, I really want to address the fact that all of this wouldn’t be possible without our great sponsors Bapco, Coca Cola, Banz, McWane, African & Eastern and Audi. But most of all, I have to express my deepest gratitude to the committee and volunteers who are doing a great job in supporting this event.”
Spectators are welcome to follow their favourite players around the course. Admission is free. Competitors will be teeing off from 7am each day.
