The English Golf Union (EGU) prides itself on giving amateurs the opportunity to reach new heights in the game and 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 solely 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-afield as China, South Africa, the Philippines, Israel and Iceland.
Under the terms of the new association, International Pairs - which is backed by Visit Scotland - will assist the EGU in a number of exciting new initiatives helping both organisations to raise their profiles, both nationally and internationally.
These will includes exclusive tournaments for EGU captains past, present and future with the chance to go on and represent your club and country at International Pairs’ UK and world finals, a series of road shows across the country next year and cross-promotional marketing activity.
Lynne Fraser, the EGU’s marketing and PR manager, said: “The English Golf Union (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 competition and its a great opportunity for the EGU to support a event that allows any of our club golfers to compete, and hopefully succeed, against the best English opposition and that from around the world.
“As the national governing body, this is something we manage for our elite players and to be involved in an initiative that provides the same opportunity for real grass roots golf is a real bonus.
“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 initiatives and activity to an very receptive audience.”
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.
But 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.
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.
“To be given the endorsement of the country’s most important golf union is further recognition of the growing reputation that International Pairs has as a professionally-run tournament for amateurs.
“The tournament is coming up to its tenth anniversary and to have the chance to work with the EGU on some of the new initiatives that are planned is very exciting.”
Scarborough South Cliff duo Shaun Smith and Simon Deaves beat Scotland’s 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.
Smith earned his team’s place in the three-way play-off, which also featured Ireland, with a birdie at the final hole and held his nerve to sink a three-foot putt in extra time to finally defeat their rivals from Eyemouth.
“It’s an amazing feeling and doesn’t get much better than this,” said Smith, who plays off a handicap of one.
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.
Information for journalists
The English Golf Union Limited (EGU) has served as the governing body of male amateur golf in England since it was founded in 1924.
Responsible for the training of England’s top amateur golfers the EGU organises all the major English amateur championships.
Based at the National Golf Centre in Woodhall Spa, the EGU is one of the largest sports governing bodies in England looking after the interests of over 1,900 golf clubs and 740,000 club members. The EGU also works to increase the continued interest and participation in golf through their golf development initiative ‘Get into Golf’ and their Associate Membership Programme.
The EGU is a founding member of The England Golf Partnership (EGP) along with the English Ladies Golf Association (ELGA) and the PGA and is supported by the Golf Foundation and Sport England. The Whole Sport Plan for golf identifies how the EGP will achieve its vision of becoming ‘The Leading Golf Nation in the World by 2020’ from grass roots right through to elite level.
Information for media: Issued by Andrew Tremlett Associates. For more details, please contact Andy Tremlett on 07775 842716 or Pete Simm on 07747 012539, or e-mail ip.media@internationalpairs.com.
