Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
As the dust settles and the stage is removed things are getting back to normal after the excitement and buzz around the first-ever Volvo Golf Champions event here in Bahrain.
What a week it was, whether you were a staff member working at the golf club, in the crowds watching the action or one of the volunteers without whom the event could not have happened.
Some of the world's best players treated us all to a thrilling four days of top class golf culminating in Paul Casey claiming victory on the 72nd and final hole; roll on next year!
The interest that such an event creates cannot be underestimated; for many people living and working here in Bahrain they may not have ever thought about picking up a golf club before; but watching these top professionals ply their trade can be a source of inspiration and we fully expect this to be the start of a boom time for golf in the kingdom as more and more players take up the game.
For over 20 years now Dubai has enjoyed hosting the Desert Classic, one of the jewels in the European Tour and an event that has seen the interest in the sport in this part of the world soar; in Dubai itself demand has been so high that a new course seems to open each year!
Qatar and, more recently, Abu Dhabi have seen similar surges in popularity for the sport, so now it is Bahrain's turn; if you haven't already then there has never been a better time to hit the links!
From top professional golf we turn to top amateur golf this week as the cream of the region's talent descend on Bahrain to compete in the GCC Championships. No doubt keen to win on home soil the national team will be amongst the favourites in an event that sees the best players and youngster in the region trying to emulate their professional heroes over three competitive days. Good luck to all.
In Doha last weekend, Dane Thomas Bjorn showed no sign of nerves as he shot a three-under-par 69 to win the Qatar Masters by four shots. The 39-year-old Ryder Cup vice-captain led by one overnight and parred the first 14 holes before birdies at 15, 16 and 18 sealed his 11th European Tour title.
Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, who played with GulfWeekly's editor Stan Szecowka in the pro-am event here, posted a four-under 68 to finish second on 10 under. We look forward to welcoming Thomas back to Bahrain next January as he has booked his place in next year's Volvo Golf Champions with this win.
Finally, the Desert Swing comes to its conclusion this week with the Dubai Desert Classic. The flagship event of the European Tours international schedule usually delivers the strongest of fields and a thrilling finale to the swing; this year is no exception as the top three golfers in the world head the cast for a 72 hole showdown at the Emirates Golf Club.
World number one Lee Westwood goes into the event struggling to find the form that propelled him to the top spot last season. Martin Kaymer rocketed out of the blocks and blew everyone away in Abu Dhabi, but a stuttering week in Doha has slowed his momentum.
He may not be number one at the moment, but wherever he goes Tiger Woods is still the main attraction and this week he returns to Dubai.
Who knows, this week could give us an indication of things to come, but one thing is for sure, it is going to be a thrilling end to a Desert Swing we can all be proud of.
