golfing
T
he International Pairs is quite a phenomenon.
The brainchild of a Hampshire businessman 11
years ago, the Pairs was originally set up as a county-
legends
wide concern to mark the millennium.
And just like the London Eye, the Millennium Bridge
in the nation’s capital, and the Millennium Stadium
in Cardiff, the Ross Honey-inspired International Pairs
has stood the test of time – and it shows no signs of
stopping.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
It is estimated that more than 600,000 golfers have
taken part in the global tournament since it was
launched, over 35 countries have been represented
by their national champions since the inaugural world
final in 2004 and the title of International Pairs world
champions has been held by pairs from three different
continents.
Not content with being the largest competition in
the world for club golfers, the International Pairs
underlined its status and star quality by securing what
is deemed by many professionals as the best Open
championship venue of them all, Carnoustie, to host
the 2009 International Pairs World Final.
Competitors from 20 countries including America,
South Africa, Nigeria, Spain and, making their debut,
Antigua, gathered at the world-famous venue to
compete for the right to be crowned world champions.
And this year saw a first for International Pairs as
Canadian teenagers Marilyne Cadieux and Saby
Dagenais scored a victory for lady golfers all over the
world by becoming the first ever women to win the
International Pairs World Final at Carnoustie.
Honey said: “It’s amazing the progress we have made
since I came up with the idea and it’s staggering to
think of the number of people that have played in
International Pairs all over the world.
“What started as a localised tournament in Hampshire
has grown exponentially, to such an extent that we
attract more and more clubs, players and countries
year on year.
“The calibre of courses that the national and world
finals have been played at is testament to how highly
the competition is regarded and we are working hard
behind the scenes to ensure that the competition
realises its full potential - both in the UK and all over
the world.”
www.internationalpairs.com JAN/FEB 2010 5
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10