International Pairs’ position as the largest tournament of its kind for club golfers in the world has reached new heights after the International Association for Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) gave its stamp of approval to the global event.

In a ground-breaking development, IAGTO - the worldwide trade organisation for the golf tourism industry - has agreed to endorse a competition for the first time in its history.

IAGTO’s 300 golf tour operators in 42 countries handle around 80% of all golf holiday packages sold out of Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Australasia.
Ross Honey, founder and managing director of International Pairs said: “To have IAGTO give us their seal of approval is a major development for International Pairs and is a sign of just how far we have come.

“This has been our most exciting year to date with lots of new countries getting involved and things are only going to continue moving forward from here.

“Having the backing of one of the major figures in the worldwide golf tourism industry will enable International Pairs to develop new initiatives that will assist in expanding into even more.”

Under the terms of the new agreement, which was unveiled in the spectacular setting on board famous discoverer Robert Falcon Scott’s ship RMS Discovery in Dundee, International Pairs qualifying events will be organised in conjunction with IAGTO and their member companies in six countries spread across the globe.

And the lucky winners will go straight through to next year’s International Pairs world final to be held at a destination yet to be announced in Scotland - the Home of Golf.

Peter Walton, chief executive of IAGTO, said: “International Pairs has established itself as a truly global event, with the opportunity for winners at the local level to travel to magnificent golf resorts and golf destinations both in the national and world finals.

“We are delighted to announce our support for International Pairs. This is the first time that IAGTO has endorsed a tournament event and we have chosen to do so for two key reasons.
“Firstly, we are all reliant in the golf tourism industry on the continued interest of the consumer in playing golf.

“If the percentage of golfers who take a golf vacation continues to remain constant over the next ten years as it has for the past decade, then the continued growth in golf tourism will be very much dependent on the growth of golf as a participation sport.

“Therefore, it is in all our interests to support activities that encourage and reward people for getting out on the golf course.

“Secondly, International Pairs showcases great golf destinations, both in its national and world finals. More than 500,000 golfers have participated in the tournament and many more will have heard about it.

“This hands-on publicity for both domestic and international golf holidays makes a great contribution to our own efforts to highlight the enjoyment that can be had out of packing your golf clubs along with your suitcase!”

The 2007 International Pairs world final was staged last month at the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews Golf Resort and Spa where competitors from 22 countries including China, South Africa, Nigeria, Thailand and Iceland gathered to take part in the 36-hole event.

After a spectacular opening ceremony which began on St Andrews’ world-famous Old Course, qualifiers for the global tournament - which costs just £5 to enter in the UK - embarked on two days’ of fierce competition which ended with England’s Shaun Smith and Simon Deaves being crowned world champions after a nail-biting play-off with pairs from Scotland and Ireland.

International Pairs has been backed by VisitScotland for the last five years – and the national Scottish tourist body has committed to be the tournament’s main sponsor until at least 2008.
To enter the International Pairs, or to register a club, please call 0870 0330633 or 01730 711900, or e-mail info@internationalpairs.com. Alternatively, visit the Pairs’ website at www.internationalpairs.com.

For further information on IAGTO go to www.iagto.com Can you add the contact details that you would like to go on here for IAGTO

Information for media: Issued by the International Pairs press office. For more details, please contact Andy Tremlett on 07775 842716 or Pete Simm on 07747 012539, or e-mail ip.media@internationalpairs.com.