Dylan Frittelli wins first title in six years

Dylan Frittelli started the day with a two-shot lead at Royal Golf Club but lost it at the turn and was two-over par after twelve holes having bogeyed at the 7th and 12th.

He rallied with back-to-back birdies at the 13th and 14th and another at the 16th for a 71 to reach 13-under and win by two shots at the Bahrain Championship presented by Bapco Energies, his first title in six years.

The South African had a difficult time in 2023, missing the cut or withdrawing from 23 of his 27 starts on the PGA TOUR last season.

“It feels great, it feels awesome,” said Frittelli. “It’s been a long road the last five or six years since I left the DP World Tour and went to the States. It was a pretty tough year last year in America but it feels awesome to back on top right now.

“Last year I was in a couple of spots where I thought I was giving the game up to be honest and looking for something else.

“I found some resolve at the end of last year and got some good work from my physio and my coaches and trainers. I’m glad I persevered and all the support from family and friends has been well worth it.

“I think it shows my mental toughness, it shows the focus I have and those things that you can’t really quantify. I was swinging it great all week and then all of a sudden couldn’t hit it on the planet on the Sunday round so I’m glad I managed to have the resolve.”

Sweden’s Jesper Svensson closed with a 71 to tie for second place at 11-under with South African Zander Lombard who shot a 68.

Ockie Strydom, also of South Africa, shot a 73 for a share of fourth place at 9-under alongside France’s Frederic Lacroix who closed with a 70.

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