Carnoustie has hosted some of the world’s greatest golfers and tournaments and will provide a fitting venue for the climax to the 2009 International Pairs World Final next year. International Pairs has announced it has reached an agreement with Angus Council to sponsor the global event for the first time next October.
The 36-hole final will be played over two days on Monifieth’s Medal Course, an Open qualifying venue, and the Championship Course at Carnoustie, host of the 2007 Open Championship, from 11-13 October.
The deal was confirmed by Depute Provost of Angus Peter Murphy at an official handover from Frances Melville, Provost of Fife, at a glittering ceremony on 23rd September at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, to mark the finale to the 2008 International Pairs World Final.
Depute Provost Murphy said, “Securing Carnoustie as the venue for next year’s World Finals of the International Pairs is a major coup for Angus and our partners and we look forward to welcoming the finalists to the area next year.
“This rapidly-spreading amateur tournament attracts almost 200,000 club golfers worldwide with 55 countries already signed up for Carnoustie 2009 so it offers us a fantastic opportunity to promote the attractions of Carnoustie Country as a destination for all golfers, amateur or professional.”
International Pairs has been sponsored by VisitScotland for the last six years and is expected to generate millions of economic benefit to the Angus region and Scotland over the coming 12 months following confirmation of the new deal.
Competitors from as far-a-field as America, South Africa, Australia, the Philippines, Nigeria and Malaysia took part in the 2008 International Pairs World Final at The Duke’s, St Andrews, and Councillor David May was eager to pay tribute to Ross Honey, chairman of International Pairs.
Cllr May, Angus Council’s economic development spokesperson, said, “Despite there being stiff competition from other venues around the world Ross has had the foresight to bring this tournament to Carnoustie.
“Carnoustie Golf Links is an iconic world brand so the staging of the International Pairs World Finals here next year is a win-win situation for both the organisers and the host area.
“The event and associated promotions generate more than £500,000 expenditure, and the potential marketing benefit for this area is far greater with the tournament placing Carnoustie Country and its fantastic golfing opportunities directly into golf clubs the world over.
“Thanks are also due to staff in the council’s economic development division who have worked tremendously hard to secure Carnoustie as the venue. This is an excellent start to what I believe will be a very fruitful and long partnership between Carnoustie Country and the International Pairs organisation that will take the world finals to even greater success.”
Carnoustie has played an integral role in International Pairs’ success in recent years and the world-renowned venue will host the International Pairs UK Finals for a third successive year next month over its Championship and Burnside courses.
After a momentous 2007 which saw the English and South African Golf Unions and the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) officially endorse International Pairs, the tournament continues to grow at an amazing rate. Australia, Sweden, Spain and the Caribbean region have all joined International Pairs in 2008 while International Pairs also launched its own summer and winter UK matchplay events this year.
International Pairs www.internationalpairs.com