Players at the 2009 International Pairs World Final will have the benefit of the latest in golf ball and tee technology when they gather at Carnoustie for the event next week.

Organisers of the biggest tournament in the world for club golfers have agreed a deal with leading manufacturer Excel for competitors to be supplied with balls and tees when they compete in Scotland from October 11-13.

The American company has really made a name for itself in recent years since bursting onto the golf scene in 2005, helping American Kenny Perry reach number five in the world with its Zero Friction line of tees becoming a cornerstone in the golf tee market.

"Here at Excel, we are always looking to build on our achievements and never rest on them," said John Iacono, founder and president of Excel Golf Products. "We take pride in offering millions of golfers worldwide something special. International Pairs shares this philosophy and we are excited to be a part of this unique tournament."

Since its launch, Excel's revolutionary Zero Friction Performance Tees have established themselves as the number one performance golf tee on the US PGA Tour with more than 50 victories and over 300 top-ten finishes.

The three-pronged top on the tee significantly reduces the contact area between tee and ball providing unparalleled distance and accuracy, while it is an environmentally-friendly product manufactured with biodegradable materials. And the global field's bid for world glory at Carnoustie will also be aided by Excel's Zero Friction Distance 312 golf balls, which feature two-piece construction and a 312 dimple pattern which allows for maximum distance, roll and soft feel.

Ross Honey, founder and managing director of International Pairs, said: "It's our aim at International Pairs to give everyone taking part the best of all worlds and Excel Golf's involvement will help us do that.

"They have taken golf to a new level with some of their products and I am sure those lucky enough to qualify this year are looking forward to seeing how they can improve their games."

Competitors from 20 countries including South Africa, Spain, Canada and Portugal
will gather at Carnoustie for the chance to be crowned as the sixth International Pairs world champions.

And this year will see Romania, Antigua and Barbuda make their debuts in the 36-hole event, which will be played over two days on Monifieth's Medal Course - an Open qualifying venue - and the Championship Course at Carnoustie - venue for the 2007 Open Championship.

The Angus golf course has played an integral role in the success of International Pairs in recent years, hosting the competition's UK final for three years in a row prior to next week's event.

International Pairs has grown to enjoy a worldwide status since being started by Honey in 1998 and the competition is set to flourish further with global media giants IMG having come on board in 2009 to play an integral role in planning its future.
For more details on International Pairs, visit their website at www.internationalpairs.com or e-mail info@internationalpairs.com

Issued by the International Pairs press office. For more details, please contact International Pairs on 01489 878509, Pete Simm on +44 7747 012539, or e-mail admin@internationalpairs.com or simm_6@msn.com