It’s not enough for Tim Lemp to qualify for the International Pairs World Final in Scotland held July 1-3. Lemp also feels the need to give American golfers the chance to garner the once in a lifetime dream that he and his partner, Roy Gainer, are about to experience.
Lemp recently secured the Southeastern USA franchise rights of International Pairs, the ultra popular two-player team competition founded in the United Kingdom. International Pairs, a net points competition, is entering its eighth year, and has expanded around the globe to such countries as South Africa, Canada, Australia, German and others. And now, thanks to Lemp, the USA.
Lemp knew nothing about International Pairs when he lined up with partner Roy Gainer at the 23rd PGA Tour Superstore World Amateur Handicap Championship at Myrtle Beach last September.
That competition doubled as an International Pairs USA qualifier and the duo will be packing their bags in July to represent their country at the fourth International Pairs World Final in St. Andrews, Scotland.
Lemp was so impressed by the International Pairs format that he chose to take his interest further when he became an US international Pairs licensee at a launch press conference in Orlando. "I hadn’t heard of International Pairs at all before last year, but when I found out about it, I liked the idea. I am a golf addict and I believe I can bring that sort of passion to the International Pairs which will be very positive." said Lemp. While the Southeastern Region includes 11 states, Lemp will be concentrating on Central Florida for the first year.
Starting companies is nothing new for this 49-year-old entrepreneur. Lemp’s portfolio includes businesses in construction, insurance, travel, a restaurant, and most recently, a consulting firm which specializes in diversity in the work place. "The one thing that is different about this venture is that it is built around my other passion – golf," adds Lemp.
Plans for the World Championship to be held in different parts of the world are underway and two years form now, the US will have the honor of hosting the event. "Since there are 30 countries that make up International Pairs, it is only fair that the winners from these countries get a chance to play all over the world," adds Lemp.
Ross Honey, founder and managing director of International Pairs added, "It’s amazing what has happened since Tim’s participation in the event at Myrtle Beach. Making him the first official US licensee is huge for the International Pairs. There are around 4,000 golf courses in Tim’s region, which is as many as the entire United Kingdom and most of Europe combined. The opportunity for growth is amazing."
A series of licenses will now be issued over the next two years in America and split into four regions and 16 territories. Honey added, "Because of the size of America and number of courses and players, we felt it very important to ensure a robust structure is established. It is important that this is done correctly and this will help ensure the long-term development of International Pairs in this country."
About International Pairs
Conceived in 1998 as a golf tournament to celebrate the millennium, the International Pairs has established itself as a premier event in hundreds of golf club diaries with five million golfers taking part to date. The formula has been simple for the International Pairs. Win your home golf course’s championship and move on to the national finals to represent your country competing against 32 other countries to claim the Pairs World Championship. This year’s qualifier will be held in the coming fall in the Orlando area. For more information, please visit www.InternationalPairs.com.
Contact:
Berri Morris
407-328-0500 x2
berri@jamisongolf.com
