(Sept 15, 2004)- Two golfers who had never met before won the American qualifier and then traveled to Great Britain to compete in the International Pairs World Finals played August 23-24 over the Marriott St. Pierre course in Wales.

Wally Nelson, of Longwood, Fla. and Bobby Parish from Powder Springs, Ga. competed against 24 other teams from 18 countries in the 36-hole team-quota event finishing in 14th place in the rain-shortened tournament.

The winning team from England, Mark Phillips and Darren Bradford took the trophy by one point over three other teams.

At 80 years of age the Floridian was the oldest golfer to play and having an outgoing personality he became the most popular player among fellow contestants.

Several Welsh newspapers wrote about Nelson during tournament week and he remarked concerning the trip and tournament, "It was the time of my life."

Parish added that even though they were not victorious, "This was a thrill. We really had the feeling of competing in a world-class event."

Nelson and Parish had never met when they drew each other as partners for the 18-hole qualifying event played in Galena, Ill. last June. The event was held in conjunction with a conference sponsored by the International Network of Golf, a trade organization both are members of.

The duo will share their experience at the International Pairs World Finals with the ING membership during the association's Fall Media Conference Sept. 22-24 in Las Vegas.

In addition to England and the U.S.A., the International Pairs World finals had teams participate from Belgium, Wales, Hungary, Scotland, Austria, Northern Ireland, and nine more countries.

Nelson and Parish represented the United States at the former Solheim Cup venue in Wales.