Manama: Saffriya team took the lead on the first day of the AMH Island Classic Charity Golf tournament at His Majesty the King’s private golf course in Safriya yesterday. 

Saffriya led the championship flight with a score of 48 -9. African Eastern came in second place with a score of 54 -1 while Bahrain Confidential are third with 54 -7.

DHL 1 came in first place at the Premier Flight with a score of 55 -7 while Contax Partners are in second place with 56 -4 and Dilmun Concrete third with 57 -4. 

The three-day tournament, currently in its 18th year, is organised by American Mission Hospital (AMH) and is considered one of the most popular events of its kind in the kingdom.

Yesterday’s official opening ceremony was attended by diplomatic officials and representatives from sponsoring companies as well as the golfers themselves. 

American Ambassador William Roebuck said, “It was a wonderful day to spend. The weather was tremendous and the course is beautiful.”

“AMH is a wonderful establishment and it’s always good to be playing with friends but this time it was for a good cause – charity,” Roebuck added. 

Director of Golf at Royal Golf Club Phil Waine also praised the course.

“I really loved the design and the layout of the course. It is very challenging. The pin placement and the setup are also very good,” Waine said. 

Waine, who has been in Bahrain for only three months, also spoke about youth development in the game. 

“I think to have more youth involved you need to have easier courses. All the courses in the kingdom are currently Championship specs so it would be difficult for the kids,” he said. 

The tournament ends tomorrow with the awards ceremony taking place at 4.30pm.