Dec. 20, 2004 – To confirm its status as a major global golfing competition, the International Pairs is launching an Ambassadors’ Scheme.

The scheme will give special rights and privileges to those who are awarded the honorary status. In return for this ambassadors will represent the International Pairs at promotional events. Ambassadors are likely to be individuals or couples who have been supportive of the tournament in the past - competitors, host venue employees or anyone else who has played a part in the tournament’s development.

The benefits ambassadors will receive are numerous and include exclusive invitations to special events and tournaments and access to International Pairs staff rates.

As well as this they will have special ambassador status in the soon to be established IP Club - and of course a box of Ferrero Roche The scheme will be launched officially in early 2005 and will introduce the tournament to even more golfers in the future.

Chris New, International Pairs operations director, said: “Over the years we have built up some great relationships with people as we have been growing the tournament. Many of them have asked if they could help with what we are doing and the ambassador scheme is our answer.

“By reaching out across the country via our ambassadors, we hope to show just how much of a people’s event the International Pairs really is.

“These are all people who have come to believe in the development of the tournament for a variety of reasons - having played in it or worked with the organizers - and who share our belief that we can create the best event in the world.”

The International Pairs is now in its seventh year and is inviting clubs across the UK to enter. All clubs have to do is host a qualifying event with 25 competing pairs, paying £5 per person, and the winners will travel to Scotland for a semi-final where they will receive accommodation north of the border, an invitation to a special Scottish-themed welcome reception and competition golf on one of the country’s top courses.

If they make the cut they will stay on in Scotland for two more days and experience the golfing event of the year including accommodation at the magnificent St Andrews Bay resort, two rounds of competition golf – one each on the Torrance and Devlin courses - a championship gala dinner, and most importantly, the chance to win the coveted International Pairs champions title in the full glare of the country’s media.

Should they be successful in Scotland they will go on to represent their country at the world final where they will receive similar hospitality - all for the original £5 entry fee.