• Diverse Crowd of All Ages Flock to Enjoy Tailored Event Activities
• Junior Golf Enthusiasts Engage in Skill-Building Workshops with Game Stars
Bahrain: French golfer Tom Vaillant seized the spotlight on the inaugural day of the Bahrain International Golf Championship, presented by "Bapco Energies" as part of the DP World Tour. The 22-year-old showcased a stellar performance, notching an impressive 8-under-par score on Thursday at the Royal Golf Club. The prestigious tournament, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, promises a total prize pool of 2.5 million US dollars, and the intense competitions are set to continue until this Sunday.
Vaillant, keen on securing his maiden title in the DP World Tour, defied expectations and calmly ascended to the top of the leaderboard, particularly making a decisive move on the final hole to create a notable gap from his competitors. His total score of 64 strokes, 8 under par, firmly establishes him as the frontrunner as the championship unfolds.
The forthcoming rounds promise a riveting battle as the competition remains fiercely close. Sharing the second spot are South African Xander Lombard and Swiss Jules Gerbach, both boasting an impressive 7-under-par score.
In the fourth position, a trio of players—Spaniard Alejandro Del Rey, Canadian Aaron Cockerill, and South African Aoki Strydom—closely trail with a score of 6-under-par each.
Rasmus Hougaard, the top-seeded Danish player, made a solid yet somewhat conservative start, finishing the first round with a commendable 5-under-par.
Japan's Keita Nakajima emerged as the standout Asian performer in the initial round, posting a solid 4-under-par score.
Chinese golfer Jixin Chen showcased exceptional precision by scoring a hole-in-one on the second hole, covering a distance of 196 yards. He concluded the first round with a steady performance.
Among the Arab players, Saudi golfer Saud Al-Sharif delivered a commendable performance, finishing the round with 3 strokes above par. His compatriot Khaled Al-Attiyah secured a score of 4 strokes above par.
Meanwhile, the Bahraini trio gained valuable experience competing alongside international stars. Ahmed Mohammed Rashid led the local contingent with a score of 7 strokes above par, Khalifa Mohammed Al Muraisi followed closely with 8 strokes above par, and Fahd Abdullah rounded out the trio with a score of 16 strokes above par.
The tournament's inaugural day saw a vibrant mix of fans of all ages, drawn to the event with free general entry upon registering. The "Tournament Village" proved to be a hub of activity, offering a range of amenities, including diverse food and beverage outlets, kids' games, and live music performances.
Collaborating with the Bahrain Golf Federation, the organizing committee orchestrated a training workshop led by Spanish golf sensation Rafa Cabrera Bello. With four major titles under his belt on the DP World Tour and a former European Ryder Cup team player, Cabrera Bello showcased his exceptional skills, providing valuable insights and tips to the aspiring male and female players who participated in the workshop.
As the tournament unfolds, Friday marks the commencement of the decisive second round, crucial in determining the qualifiers for the upcoming intense rounds. The competition spans four rounds, with results tallied using the stroke system after players complete 18 holes each day, summing up to 72 holes—a format aligned with the internationally approved system for professional golf competitions.
For those looking to catch the action live, tickets for the Bahrain 2024 Championship are available for registration. Stay in the loop with all things tournament-related by following @bahraingolfchamps on Instagram."
