Sussex professional Charles Giddins was grateful for a piece of amateur psychology after he and partner Andy Hulls won the South Region qualifier of the Gulf Air International Pro-Captain Challenge, supported by BMW.
The pair booked a luxury trip to Bahrain for the grand final after carding an eight-under-par 61 at West Hill Golf Club, winning by a stroke from Wentworth duo Steve Gibson and Neil Mutton.
But it was only on the final green that Hulls discovered exactly what was in store as his club professional had wisely kept the information from him.
"Andy didn't know until he came off the 18th what we had won," said Giddins, professional at Hastings club Beauport Park.
"I decided he didn't need any extra pressure so I chose not to tell him what we were playing for.
"Andy just couldn't believe it."
Hulls revealed it was one of their playing partners who broke the news to him.
"One of the guys said to me I had better check my passport and I asked him why," said the 47-year-old club captain, who has never played in the Middle East before.
"I just thought it was a captain and pro day out and we just won a trophy, like a vase or something, at the end of the day.
"Then I found out we were going to Bahrain. It is a dream come true and it will be a great experience."
Giddins has vast knowledge of overseas golf - having played on the African tour, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia - but has also never been to the Middle East.
"I have to look it up," admitted Giddins, who has been at Beauport for 13 years.
Midway through their round there was no suggestion they were Bahrain bound but an eagle two on the short par-four 12th kick-started their round.
Giddins drove the green at the 288-yard hole and sank a 20-foot putt to get them to four under.
At the 14th Hulls had a great up and down for a four nett three birdie and then holed a 15-footer for a nett eagle at the long 17th before making another nett birdie at the last to reach eight under.
"We had a fabulous day. We have only played together two or three times so really it was our first time in that situation," Giddins added. "We just dove-tailed very well."
Royal Mid Surrey professional Matthew Paget, who played in last year's grand final in Bahrain, and his captain finished third, two shots behind the winners.
The winning pair can now look forward to a luxury trip to the Middle East which will begin with a chauffeur-driven ride to the airport and includes a stay at a five-star hotel during the final.