Worksop rises to Pairs challenge

Posted on 06/08/08. Source: Andrew Tremlett Associates (By Pete Simm)

Worksop Golf Club has really got the International Pairs bug after 63 pairs took up the challenge of qualifying for the 2008 UK Finals of the world's largest competition of its kind for club golfers.

Encouraged by the glowing recommendations of members Nick Pond and Steve Coe, who won Worksop's qualifying event 12 months ago, nearly three times the number of people who took part in last year's inaugural club qualifying competition entered this year.

Kevin Rose, who plays off 19, and ten-handicapper Alan Pressley won the event with 45 Stableford points - two points ahead of runners-up Paul Fores and Tony Gravell, who play off ten and six respectively.

Both pairs will now travel to Scotland in October to take part in the International Pairs UK semi-finals at Monifieth for the chance to progress forward to take part in the 2008 UK Final - which Open Championship venue Carnoustie will stage for the third year running from October 13-15.

Worksop secretary David Dufall said: "I thought last year when we first took part that, if the two lads that went to the semi-finals got back and talked enough about it, it would take off and that's exactly what happened.

"We had a great response this year and I wouldn't be surprised if we get more than 80 pairs playing next year.

"It's a fantastic competition with a cracking prize at the end of it. Anybody can win it and, even if you don't get through to the final, it's still a great prize."

Pond and Coe only finished 25th out of 40 pairs in their International Pairs semi-final at Ladybank last October but were so impressed by the format and organisation of the competition that they didn't hesitate to encourage their fellow members to take part on their return.

Coe said: "We thought it was fantastic and were very keen for other members to experience what we did.

"We were disappointed with how we played as we really fancied playing Carnoustie but thoroughly enjoyed the event and it's great value for money.

"International Pairs has now become a fixed part of our competition diary, we're sending two pairs to the UK Finals this year and I wouldn't be surprised if three or four go next year."

The 2008 International Pairs UK Final - which is run in association with Visit Scotland - will be played over Carnoustie's renowned Championship and Burnside courses.

Finalists will be based at the famous Carnoustie Hotel overlooking the world-famous Angus links, while the respective national winners will go on represent their countries at the 2009 International Pairs world final.

The competition was started by Hampshire businessman Ross Honey ten years ago and, as well as playing in club qualifying events, members can also take part by signing up to the new International Pairs Open Qualifier, a knockout tournament open to all club golfers with a valid CONGU affiliated handicap.

To enter the International Pairs and to register a club, please call 01489 878509, or e-mail info@internationalpairs.com. Alternatively, visit the Pairs' website at www.internationalpairs.com