The English Golf Union (EGU) has announced an exciting new agreement with International Pairs, one of the largest tournaments for club golfers in the world.
From its humble origins as a competition for golfers in Hampshire, International Pairs has grown in less than a decade to become one of the leading global events for grass roots players encompassing countries as far a field as China, South Africa, the Philippines, Israel, USA and Iceland.
Under the terms of the new agreement, International Pairs, which is backed by Visit Scotland, and the EGU will work together to raise the awareness of both organisations and the EGU’s development initiatives nationally and internationally.
Lynne Fraser, EGU Marketing and PR manager, said: "The EGU works to promote, and encourage amateur golf in England. The International Pairs tournament has grown to become one of the world’s largest handicap competitions and this is a great opportunity for the EGU to support a event that allows any of our club golfers to compete against the best English opposition and that from around the world. As the national governing body, this is something we already manage for England’s elite players and to provide the same opportunity for grass roots club golfers is a real bonus."
Competitors from 22 different countries gathered at Fairmont St Andrews for the 2007 International Pairs world final in July and the event was played out to a worldwide television audience of more than 100 million people.
Next year’s world final promises to be even bigger after the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) signed an agreement last month to promote the tournament to their members around the world.
Fraser added, "The increasing media coverage that International Pairs is gaining, both at home and overseas, also provides the EGU with a great opportunity for us to communicate our work and initiatives and activity to a very receptive audience."
Ross Honey, founder and managing director of International Pairs, said: "Joining forces with the EGU is a very positive step forwards for us following the success of this year’s world final and the consistent growth of the tournament to date. To be given the endorsement of the EGU is further recognition of the growing reputation that International Pairs has.
"The tournament is coming up to its tenth anniversary and to have the chance to work with the EGU on the new initiatives that are planned is very exciting."
English playing partners Shaun Smith and Simon Deaves from Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club beat the Scottish pair Richard Oliver and Justin Aitchison at the second play-off hole to be crowned champions in a thrilling finale to this year’s world final in Scotland.
To find out how to enter the International Pairs, or to register a club, please call 01730 711900 or visit the Pairs’ website at www.internationalpairs.com.
Contact:
Lynne Fraser, EGU Marketing and PR Manager
Email: lfraser@englishgolfunion.org
Tel: 01526 354500
