Richmond-based amateur Peter Brooks will partner South Region PGA professional Matthew Paget in the Gulf Air International Pro-Captain Challenge grand final, sponsored in Bahrain, on February 24-25, writes Kelly Lewis.

And while East Molesey-based Paget may be expected to lead the way, his amateur partner certainly has more local knowledge.

Brooks, who works in the aviation business, is a frequent flyer to the Middle East and has only just returned from playing in the Emirates Open on the same course Tiger Woods claimed the Dubai Desert Classic earlier this month. Now Royal Mid Surrey professional Paget is hoping Brooks' experience will stand them in good stead when the prestigious event is held next week.

"Peter was out there on business and got asked to play in the Emirates Open so hopefully he will have acclimatised himself," said 34-year-old Paget.

"We want to win the event but it is very much a case of going out there and enjoying it and hopefully playing well."

They won the qualifying event on countback after tying for first place on eight-under-par at Royal Ascot.

Six-handicapper Brooks was forced to play the Emirates course off the same back tees as the European Tour professionals did - all 7,300 yards.

"I shot 92 on the second day but there were a lot of scratch golfers in the 90s and 100s.

"It put Tiger's 65, which he carded in the final round to win, in perspective."

The 36-hole tournament, which offers a top prize of £2,000 to the winning pro, has been switched to the King of Bahrain's private course in Safriya.

Brooks and Paget are among 10 pairs taking part in the event - most of them regional winners.