Traditionally the Pro-Captain Challenge has always been one of the most popular dates on the calendar and a close inspection of its history reveals why.
In the early years, back in the 90's, the event enjoyed close ties with Wentworth when finalists would arrive to see the last day of the PGA Championship before next day contesting their own final over the same tees and flags as played by Europe's best players.
Sponsors Volvo supported the tournament from 1993 when it was won by Pleasington's Ged Furey and Brian Marsden until 1998 where it came off the calendar.
Six years later it was back on the schedule as the International Pro Captain Challenge.
Sponsored by Gulf Air with the support of BMW, the championship maintained its reputation for memorable finals with the grand final staged at Bahrain's Riffa Golf and Country Club, an $18 million dollar golfing oasis carved out of desert sands.