Competitors from across the globe will converge on the Home of Golf from 1-3 July to take part in the largest competition of its kind in the world for club golfers – which is backed by VisitScotland.
The fourth International Pairs World Final is being staged at the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews resort and this year’s event promises to be the most colourful and spectacular yet in the tournament’s history.
Players from the 22 countries will parade from the world-famous Old Course accompanied by music from the City of St Andrews Pipe Band and Scottish Highland dancers from local schools before gathering at St Andrews University’s historic Upper College Hall.
Councillor Frances Melville, who was appointed as the first female Provost of Fife in May, will then perform the opening ceremony to a packed audience.
Ross Honey, founder and managing director of International Pairs, said, “We were determined to make this year’s world final the most memorable yet and what could be better than to have it at the Home of Golf. The historic old town will provide a tremendous backdrop to what will be a fantastic three days of golf and entertainment and it is also a great honour for us to have the new Provost playing her full part in the occasion.”
This year’s competition will feature countries from as far-a-field as South Africa, Iceland, China, Thailand and Nigeria while the Philippines will return to defend the title they won at Celtic Manor 11 months ago.
Fairmont St Andrews boasts two of the finest links courses in the region – The Devlin and The Torrance, the latter having been upgraded to an Open Championship qualifying course in 2005 – and is certain to provide a stern test for the 35 pairs taking part.
International Pairs has been backed by VisitScotland for the last five years – and the national Scottish tourist body has committed to be the tournament’s main sponsor until at least next year.
International Pairs www.internationalpairs.com