The 2026 Bahrain Championship headlines the DP World Tour from January 29 to February 1 at Royal Golf Club, promising another tight desert battle in the International Swing.
The tournament returns to Riffa’s Colin Montgomerie-designed Royal Golf Club, a par-72 layout stretching around 7,143 yards, that mixes lush fairways with desert borders and penal water features.
Testy winds and grainy greens typically demand accurate iron play and a sharp short game with a mix of recent DP World Tour winners like Patrick Reed and Jayden Schaper among a strong 2026 field.
Carrying a $2.5 million purse, the event builds on last year’s success as one of the newer – yet now firmly established – stops in the Middle East as part of the DP World Tour’s International Swing.
Current 2026 Bahrain Championship Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| 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 Bahrain Championship Contenders
Angel Ayora
Angel Ayora is fresh off a stellar 2025 that included multiple DP World Tour top-10s and a top-three at the DP World Tour Championship.
The Spaniard’s consistent ball-striking ranks him highly in recent form stats for Bahrain, and his ability to handle firm, grainy greens could unlock the Montgomerie Course’s scoring chances on the par-5s.
If he maintains his tee-to-green edge, Ayora looks primed for a maiden DP World Tour victory.
Jayden Schaper
Jayden Schaper continues to impress after a rapid rise through the DP World Tour ranks. His dynamic iron play and growing composure in tough environments saw him post two wins late in 2025 before top-10s already in 2026.
Bahrain’s layout rewards creative shot-making – something Schaper thrives on – and he can produce another top effort.
Patrick Reed
Patrick Reed bids to go back-to-back in the Middle East after claiming the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic by four shots last week, jumping him to second in the Race to Dubai and top of the International Swing standings.
His clutch putting and short-game wizardry shone through at Emirates GC, and the Montgomerie Course at Royal Golf Club should play right into his wheelhouse as a proven desert performer.
Daniel Hillier
Daniel Hillier is in good form and has posted strong results in similar wind-affected parkland-desert hybrids in the past.
Royal Golf Club’s demand for precise irons and distance control aligns with his strengths, making him a live threat if the putter heats 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 Montgomerie Course’s multi-tiered greens.
On what will be his final start before beginning his LIV Golf career next week, the Belgian can play himself into good form in Bahrain.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.
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