The 2026 Bahrain Championship headlines the DP World Tour from January 29 to February 1 at the Royal Golf Club, promising another exciting desert battle in the International Swing.
The tournament returns to Riffa’s Colin Montgomerie-designed Royal Golf Club, a par-72 layout of approximately 7,143 yards, which combines lush fairways with desert borders and punishing water features.
Pungent winds and grainy greens typically require precise iron play and a sharp short game with a mix of recent DP World Tour winners such as Patrick Reed and Jayden Schaper in a strong 2026 field.
With $2.5 million in funding, the event builds on last year’s success as one of the newer – but now firmly established – stops in the Middle East as part of the The international swing of DP World Tour.
Current betting odds on the 2026 Bahraini Championship
| Player | Betting |
|---|---|
| Angel Ayora | 12/1 (+1200) |
| Jayden Schaper | 12/1 (+1200) |
| Daniel Hillier | 15/1 (+1500) |
| Patrick Reed | 15/1 (+1500) |
| Thomas Detry | 19/1 (+1900) |
| Wenyi Ding | 26/1 (+2600) |
| Julian Guerrier | 26/1 (+2600) |
| Laurie Canter | 26/1 (+2600) |
Leading championship contenders in Bahrain
Angel Ayora
Angel Ayora has had an incredible 2025, with multiple DP World Tour top-10s and a top-three at the DP World Tour Championship.
The Spaniard’s consistent ball striking ranks high in recent form stats for Bahrain, and his ability to handle firm, grainy greens could boost the Montgomerie Course’s scoring chances on the par-5s.
If he maintains his lead from tee-to-green, Ayora looks set for a maiden win on the DP World Tour.
Jayden Schaper
Jayden Schaper continues to impress after a meteoric rise through the DP World Tour ranks. His dynamic iron play and growing composure in difficult circumstances saw him record two victories at the end of 2025 before already entering the top 10 in 2026.
Bahrain’s layout rewards creative shots – something Schaper thrives on – and he is able to deliver another top performance.
Patrick Reed
Patrick Reed bids to go back-to-back in the Middle East after winning the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic by four shots last week, moving into second place in the Race to Dubai and top of the International Swing leaderboard.
His clutch putting and short game wizardry shone through during the Emirates rankings, and the Royal Golf Club’s Montgomerie course should play right into his wheelhouse as a proven desert performer.
Daniel Hillier
Royal Golf Club’s demand for precise irons and distance control plays to his strengths, making him a living threat as the putter warms up over 72 holes.
Thomas Detry
Thomas Detry’s repeatable swing and experience in windy, firm setups – including solid PGA Tour form – position him well to attack the multi-tiered greens of the Montgomerie Course.
In what will be his final start before starting his LIV Golf career next week, the Belgian can see himself out in good form in Bahrain.
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