The DP World Tour heads to the Middle East this week for the Bahrain Championship, as the early-season desert swing continues. With several established names and a strong group of emerging talents in the field, this event presents an excellent opportunity for players to gain momentum and make an early statement in the Race to Dubai. Below, we break down the tournament from a betting perspective and select four players to take on the bookmakers.
Course
The tournament is played at Royal Golf Club Bahrain, a modern desert layout that measures approximately 7,200 yards (6,580 metres) and plays to a par 72. Designed by Colin Montgomerie, the course blends traditional parkland features with desert golf characteristics, creating a demanding but fair test. This will be the 3rd renewal and in 2024 South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli won at long odds.
Key features include:
- Wide but deceptive fairways, bordered by desert waste areas that severely punish wayward drives
- Large, well-protected greens, often elevated and guarded by bunkers
- Strategic water hazards in key locations, particularly on the back nine
- Firm, fast putting surfaces, placing emphasis on distance control and lag putting
Although the course offers some room off the tee, positioning is vital. Players who miss fairways by too much often face difficult recovery shots from sand or rough. Wind can also play a significant role, especially in the afternoons, making ball flight control an important factor.
In summary: Royal Golf Club Bahrain favours accurate drivers who combine length with discipline, strong iron players who can attack from the fairway, and confident putters who can convert birdie chances. When conditions are calm, scoring can be good, but mistakes are punished quickly.
Tournament Context
The Bahrain Championship has become a valuable stop on the DP World Tour’s Middle East swing, despite only being in its 3rd year. It tends to reward players who are comfortable in desert conditions and who adapt quickly to firm fairways and fast greens.
Betting – Click here to bet
Jayden Schaper – 13.00
Daniel Hillier – 15.00
Angel Ayora – 15.00
Patrick Reed – 17.00
Thomas Detry – 19.00
Wenyi Ding – 29.00
Julien Guerrier – 31.00
Laurie Canter – 34.00
(34.00 and better the balance)
All prices correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
Selections
Jayden Schaper at 13.00
Schaper continues to establish himself as one of the most reliable young performers on the DP World Tour. His early-season form has been excellent, and his ability to combine length with tidy iron play makes him well suited to this layout. On a course that rewards confident ball-striking, he looks well placed to contend once again.
Bet: Jayden Schaper each way at 13.00
Laurie Canter at 34.00
Canter represents solid mid-range value. He has shown he can compete regularly at this level and has the consistency required to handle a four-round test in desert conditions. With a strong tee-to-green profile, the defending champion looks capable of sneaking into contention at attractive odds and this will be his 2nd start after a lengthy layoff.
Bet: Laurie Canter each way at 34.00
Antoine Rozner at 41.00
Rozner arrives at attractive odds for a player with proven winning pedigree at DP World Tour level. He is one of the circuit’s most reliable tee-to-green performers when conditions are firm, and his controlled ball flight suits desert layouts where positioning and discipline are essential.
Royal Golf Club Bahrain places a premium on accurate iron play into well-protected greens, an area where Rozner consistently excels and he was 12th here in his only appearance in 2024. If the putter warms up, he has more than enough class to challenge at this price and put last weeks missed cut behind him.
Bet: Antoine Rozner each way at 41.00
Dylan Frittelli at 91.00
Frittelli represents strong outsider value this week. A former DP World Tour and PGA Tour winner, he is well accustomed to playing in windy, exposed conditions and has a proven record on desert-style courses in the Middle East, including of course this venue where he won in 2024
When his driving is under control, Frittelli remains a dangerous scorer who can go low in bunches. On a course that rewards confident ball-striking and patience, he looks capable of significantly outperforming his odds and he has a top 10 to his credit 2 starts back.
Bet: Dylan Frittelli each way at 91.00
Golf Playoff
- Bets must be placed before the start of Round 1
- Pre-match bets only
- Single / straight bets only
- Free Bets do not qualify for this offer
- Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the tournament finishing
- Free Bet vouchers received must be used within 7 days
- Maximum refund per account per day in Free Bets applies
- Free Bets terms and conditions apply
- To claim, email promotions@wsb.co.za with subject “Golf Playoff” within 24 hours of the tournament finishing
