Seven of the nine pairs competing in the Gulf Air International Pro-Captain Challenge Grand Final 2007, supported by BMW, jetted out to Bahrain today to begin their preparations.
Yesterday the five English-based teams were chauffeur-driven to London by BMW where, after joining up with their Scottish and Irish counterparts, they enjoyed a welcome reception and photo shoot at the German car giant's headquarters in Bracknell.
Following an overnight stay in a Heathrow hotel all seven teams boarded a 9.30am Gulf Air flight to Bahrain.
On their arrival they were invited to a welcome reception by Gulf Air, prior to the serious business of practice ahead of the two-day event starting on Sunday.
Because of renovation work at the Riffa Club, the usual venue for the Grand Final, the King Hamad of Bahrain has opened the gates to his private course in Safriya.
Defending champion David Wilton, from Muswell Hill, returns after winning his regional qualifier with captain Vico Battaglio, while 2005 victor Brian Rimmer (Little Aston) is back for the third successive time after missing out by two strokes last year.
The other UK-based challengers are (professional first) John Oates and John Nolan from Hallowes in Derbyshire, Matthew Paget and Peter Brooks from Royal Mid Surrey, Nick Ellis and Roger Downes, from Naunton Downes, near Cheltenham, Paul Wardell and Guido Bicocchi from Whitekirk and Raymond Ryan and Pat Coen from Athenry.
They will be joined by pairs from the Riffa Club and the winners of an international qualifier.
The 36-hole better ball stroke play tournament offers a top prize of £2,000 to the winning pro, while there will also extra cash on offer in a pro-am the day after the conclusion of the Grand Final.