The Danish legend will return to the Royal Golf Club next month for the first time in 13 years as he looks to leave his mark on the kingdom.
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Thomas Bjorn of Denmark. – AFP file
Thomas Bjorn will start next month’s Bahrain Championship in the rich history of the DP World Tour, with the Danish player starting the inaugural event to be held at the Royal Golf Club from 1 to 4 February 2024. I am eager to play my part in making it the latest success story.
The Ryder Cup legend has become synonymous with golf in the Middle East, winning the 2001 HERO Dubai Desert Classic over Tiger Woods and winning the 2011 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters by four strokes. .
The 52-year-old Danish pro, who has won 15 times on the DP World Tour, returns to the Royal Golf Club after 13 years and is looking to leave his mark on the Kingdom of Bahrain. He placed 44th at the 2011 Volvo Golf Champions.
“I’ve played in every region I’ve played on the Middle East tour,” Bjorn said. Bjorn will headline next month’s field alongside rising stars Jordan Smith, Dan Bradbury, Alex Fitzpatrick and Yannick Paul.
“Obviously Dubai is the leader, followed by Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Ras Al Khaimah and now Bahrain again. They all have to find a way and grow from there.
“It’s about making the game global. We have the opportunity to touch every country with the game, so we need to go everywhere to play the game. We’re excited about the growth of golf in the Middle East, especially in the UAE. We have played a big role and now we have the opportunity to help grow golf even further in Bahrain,” added the Dane.
|That’s also the responsibility of the professional game, to make sure you leave your mark on the game and be able to grow it wherever you’re lucky enough to be invited to play. ”
The Ryder Cup legend is no stranger to the Royal Golf Club, but a fresh and exciting challenge awaits him next month. The club recently underwent major upgrades, including redesigning several greens on the front nine in preparation for the arrival of golf’s stars.
“I know some changes have been made since we visited in 2011, but we thought it was a good golf course,” he said.
“I’m really happy to be back in the Kingdom. I have fond memories of those days and I’m sure a lot has happened in the last 13 years.
“I look forward to returning to Bahrain to see the development of this country and the progress of Bahrain golf, and I look forward to playing my part in making this country the next chapter of our story.” Bjorn added.