Millbrook captain Duncan Steele's nerves lived up to his name with a sensational 25ft putt birdie on the last hole to land the Gulf Air International Pro Captain Challenge, supported by BMW.
Steele and head professional Rob Brightman proved too hot for their rivals after carding a scorching eight-under-par round of 64 at The Royal Golf Club at Riffa Views in Bahrain.
The Bedfordshire duo's 11-under-par total, capped by closing birdies on 17 and 18, secured a one-stroke victory over joint overnight leaders Parc Golf Academy's Richard Dinsdale and Steve Williams who carded a second successive 67.
Killymoon's Gary Chambers and Gerry Breslin shot a 69 to share third place at six-under with international qualifiers Alan MacKenzie and Francisco Giles from Dubai Creek Golf and Country Club, who posted a 70.
Joint overnight leaders Ian Taylor and Ian Thompson from Drumpellier slipped out of contention with a one-over-par 73.
Afterwards a delighted Brightman, who has previously appeared in a PGA National Pro-Am final, hailed his partner's hot putter which he waved to impressive effect over the Montgomerie Course.
"We set ourselves a target before we went out of a 10 or 11 under finish as we thought that would be enough to win it," said Brightman.
"We felt more relaxed not being in the last group and just went out and enjoyed it and of course Duncan's putter was on fire with what turned out to be a brilliant winning putt on the last."
Steele added: "Rob was steady all the way round getting the ball from tee to green and we gave ourselves lots of chances.
"It's been a fantastic few days, a brilliant experience and I would like to thank everyone from the Royal Golf Club, The PGA and of course Gulf Air."
Steele's contribution included nett birdies on the fourth and eighth holes and a birdie on the last while Brightman picked up shots at the fifth, ninth and 17th.
28 October, 2009