Singapore: The national qualifiers for the International Pairs tournament, a global golf event in which players from almost 30 countries compete for a place in the world final, will tee-off at Laguna National Golf Resort Club next month.
Established in 1998 when golfers from clubs across the United Kingdom teamed up in pairs to play against each other in celebration of the turn of the millennium, International Pairs has evolved into a platform for amateur club golfers with an official golf handicap worldwide to showcase their skills on a global stage.
At this year’s world final in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain from September 30 to October 4, players will compete in teams of two in a Better Ball Stableford format in three championship divisions – Open, Women’s and Mixed.
There is also a chance for non-competing golfers to participate in a Ryder Experience whereby players will be drawn into four teams, each led by a former Ryder Cup player, to compete in a mix of Better Ball Stableford and Combined Stableford, with a selection of best scores to count towards each team’s total.
This year’s Ryder Experience welcomes past European Ryder Cup stars Manuel Pinero, Constantino Rocca, Ronan Rafferty and Eddie Polland to captain the four teams coming to Tenerife.
To get there, amateur golfers may qualify through their respective country qualifying events.
In Singapore, the event over the Classic Course at Laguna National on September 12 is open to all residents regardless of status. All that is required is for participants to have a registered address in the country and an internationally recognised golf handicap issued by their golf club.
Golfers may sign up at singapore.internationalpairsgolf.com
Benny Teo, Managing Director of Blazon, the sports marketing agency which secured the license for the Singapore edition of International Pairs, is looking forward to the event debut at Laguna National as it provides amateur golfers with the unique experience of competing against other international golfers in a competitive environment.
He said: “These are exciting times for local amateur golfers as it will be the first time in the history of International Pairs tournament that there will be a representation from Singapore, It is also a rare opportunity for amateur golfers here to compete in a pairs format and vie for a place in the finals of an international golf tournament beyond Singapore.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming our local qualifiers to Laguna National Golf Resort Club in September as they compete for their places in the world final in Spain.”
Gerhard Conradie, Executive Board Member of International Pairs Golf, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Singapore to the International Pairs family. This is the first time in our history that Singapore will be represented, and we look forward to seeing the talent and passion they bring to the competition. This addition underscores our commitment to growing golf in Asia and fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship across the globe.”
Organised by Blazon, the International Pairs Singapore is officially sanctioned by the Singapore Golf Association.
*The Singapore Golf Association and Laguna National Golf Resort Club are members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.