International Pairs continues to push new boundaries after Czech Republic became the third new country to join the global golf competition in as many weeks.

The Hampshire-based company has agreed a deal with Czech Golf Production for the Prague-based business to become the new licence holders for the eastern European country.

The announcement follows the decisions of Vietnam and Romania to join the world's largest competition for club golfers earlier this month (March) and more countries are set to follow in the coming months.

Ladislav Bien, who has run Czech Golf Production with his partner Milan Ostry for the last nine years, said: "Golf in our country has become very popular because it is accessible for everyone. Golf in Czech Republic is now in the top ten among other sports.

"We believe International Pairs has great potential in our country and is a great opportunity for people to be part of a global event, something that is new to them. We're very excited to be aboard."

There are around 50,000 registered members and 120 clubs in Czech Republic with the sport having become very popular over the last decade.

Bien and Ostry only found out about International Pairs by chance following a golf trip to St Andrews last summer and they are now relishing the chance to bring their country's national champions back to Scotland in October to compete in the 2010 International Pairs World Final at The Carrick on Loch Lomond.

Bien, 43, added: "We were in St. Andrews after our round in nice small pub and saw many pictures on the wall.

"One of those pictures was of winning pairs from the International Pairs. We checked on the Internet what the tournament was all about and things have taken off from there.

"We are looking forward a lot to bringing our winners to Scotland. It is the cradle of golf and we hope that the Czech winners will play well and have a wonderful experience with the competitors from other countries."

Ross Honey, founder and managing director of International Pairs, said: "The Czech Republic is one of the countries where golf has really taken off and it's fantastic news that they will be taking part in 2010.

"Together with Vietnam and Romania, they will be three exciting new participants at this year's world final. International Pairs continues to get bigger and better with every year.

International Pairs has attracted more than 500,000 golfers since its inception including West Indian cricket legend Sir Viv Richards and former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke.

Over 40 countries have participated in the competition to date since 1998 and that number is forecast to increase rapidly with more countries than ever signing up to the global event.

Extensive footage from the International Pairs' World Final Series was screened into around 350 million households in Asia in the two months before Christmas while leading hotel group De Vere, prestigious golf clothing brand Glenmuir and top golf manufacturers Excel have all agreed to sponsor the event in 2010.

For more details on International Pairs and how to enter in 2010, visit their website at www.internationalpairs.com or e-mail info@internationalpairs.com

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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