Defending champion David Wilton returns to the Gulf Air International Pro-Captain Challenge Grand Final, supported by BMW, later this month with some fond memories of his reign.
Just days after winning the title in October 2006 in Bahrain the Muswell Hill PGA professional returned home where his girlfriend gave birth to a son.
With the 2007 edition of the event scheduled for later this month Wilton returns to the Middle East but this time with his partner and son Gustav in tow.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it," said the 40-year-old, who won the East Region's qualifier at Bishop's Stortford Golf Club almost a year ago with captain Vico Battaglio.
"We qualified in April and so it has been a long time to look forward to it.
"The last time of the final my girlfriend was having a baby at the same time and he was born two days after I came back.
"Both are coming with me this time."
Wilton won his Gulf Air title at The Riffa Club but redevelopment means this year's Grand Final will be played on the King of Bahrain's private course in Safriya.
King Hamad stepped in after work at the original venue overran meaning the event would have been played in the height of summer and in temperatures approaching 50 degrees C.
"It is a good trip and I suppose it is different as we are playing on a different course and I am playing with a different captain," added Wilton.
"Last year's captain was off six, this year he is off 21 so there are a few more shots to be gained.
"But it does not come into it being defending champion. You just want to go there and do your best.
"Even if you come last it is still a good effort. I think the advantage is knowing what to expect out there but anyone who has been to the Middle East before would know the conditions and how hot it is."
Wilton's Grand Final victory denied Brian Rimmer back-to-back titles but the midlands pro is in the field for the third successive year and will be one of the favourites.
"There shouldn't be too much to separate first and last. I know Brian Rimmer. It is his third time out there so he is the man to beat," added Wilton, who has been at Muswell Hill for 20 years, the last 12 as professional.
Battaglio is just looking forward to the experience.
"It is already something for me to be there. It does not matter what happens," he said.
"The fact we are playing out there is a great success for me."
The 36-hole tournament, which offers a top prize of £2,000 to the winning pro, will be contested on February 24 and 25.
Each team from GB & Ireland will fly from Heathrow with Gulf Air and enjoy a luxurious stay in the Middle East.
In addition, the English-based teams will be chauffeur-driven to the airport in a BMW via a stop at the German car giants UK headquarters.
The field consists of seven regional finalists, the international qualifier finalists as well as the host club pro and captain.