The first International Masters golf tournament at Carnoustie was won by road maintenance engineer Martin Gannon, a member of Lochgilphead Golf Course in Argyll, after a sudden-death play-off with job analyst Jackie Brown from Whitemoss Golf Club near Perth.
The International Masters brought together past and present champions of the International Pairs, the largest golf tournament of its kind in the world. More than 100,000 golfers have taken part over the past three years.
“To be Scottish, playing in Scotland at one of the world’s great golf courses and winning is a once in a lifetime experience,” said Martin. “To think so many people have played in this and I paid just £5 to enter at my home club and have experienced a trip to Ireland, won an International Pairs national title and now stayed at the sensational Carnoustie Hotel Golf Resort and Spa and played the championship course twice is staggering.”
VisitScotland, the Scottish tourist board, the Carnoustie Hotel Golf Resort and Spa and the Angus and Dundee Tourist Board, alongside sponsors Glenmuir and Dewar’s Whiskey joined forces to bring the inaugural International Masters to Scotland.
Susan Grant, golf tourism development manager with VisitScotland said: “Helping to host this event shows our commitment to promoting golf in Scotland – the home of golf. We are delighted that the inaugural International Masters was held in Scotland and in particular at Carnoustie, one of Scotland’s world-class golfing areas. The event was a tremendous tussle played out under clear, blue skies and I am sure that the memories of golfing on one of the world’s best links course will live with all the competitors for a long time.”
Jerry Foster, general manager of the Carnoustie Hotel Golf Resort and Spa said: “We were delighted to be the chosen venue for the International Masters and look forward to building on the undoubted success of the event in the years to come. It was especially pleasing to have a Scottish champion at an event which is sure to boost tourism in Angus and promote golf in Angus and at Carnoustie – the world’s most challenging golf course where the location makes the occasion.”
Ross Honey, founded of the International Masters said: “The International Masters couldn’t have had a better inaugural event. The Carnoustie Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is a magnificent setting and the Carnoustie Golf Course was its challenging best and looked superb under the April sunshine. This tournament is open to ever club golfer to enter, costs just £5 and is growing in prestige at every turn.”
To enter the International Pairs in 2002 call the tournament helpline on 02392 827000.