MANAMA, Bahrain – Nov. 5, 2004 – Riffa Golf Club will be hosting the finals of the prestigious Gulf Air International Pro Captain's Challenge on November 21 and 22.

The event, which is also sponsored by BMW UK and held in association with the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), is open to golf club captains throughout the UK and Ireland and to their PGA club professionals.

Qualifying rounds were held in seven regions of the UK and Ireland throughout July and August and a team qualifying from the Gulf region will also take part in the 36-hole Grand Final.

Riffa Golf Club general manager Michael Braidwood said: "We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the final of this high profile event as it cements our relationship with the PGA and follows the recent award of the club's management contract to PGA Golf Management Company on behalf of the Bahrain International Golf Course Company. It is also a stepping-stone to a much larger professional event for the Kingdom."

"This is the first event of its kind for the golf club community," said Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA. "It is aimed at marking the special relationship that generally develops each year between a club professional and club captain during their traditional matches against the members. Gulf Air and BMW will be able to offer a good prize fund and some excellent amateur prizes for the tournament."

The players qualifying for the finals will enjoy an action-packed program during their visit to Bahrain, which will include return flights with Gulf Air and accommodation at the Gulf Hotel.

A practice round will take place on November 20, entry into a commemorative Pro-Am tournament on November 23 and an invitation to a special gala dinner.

The Pro-Am tournament will feature the eight UK golf professionals who have qualified for the finals, the golf professionals resident in Bahrain and the GCC as well as members of the Bahrain National Team.

Three-time European Ryder Cup team captain, Bernard Gallacher, will also be taking part in the Pro Am tournament and will be the after-dinner speaker at the gala dinner.

For more information about entering a team in the Pro-Am and the event contact the Riffa Golf Club sales and marketing department on +973 17750777 or e-mail: info@riffagolfclub.com.bh