International Pairs: St. Andrews in Two!

It’s been said that originality is simply a pair of fresh eyes. Frank Samson, president and co-founder of International Pairs USA West, brings a very fresh pair of eyes and a resultant imaginative view to the world of amateur golf tournaments. Samson's years of experience in the travel industry provides a refreshing vision for the world's largest and fastest-growing two-person amateur golf competition.

“I know there are a lot of golfers who like to compete and would also enjoy the opportunity to travel to a place they've dreamed about,” Samson explained. “The chance to travel to St. Andrews, Scotland and meet and compete with people from all over the world is a unique and exciting experience. With 30 countries already involved in International Pairs, the opportunity to grow this business in the United States was exhilarating to me and my partner, Jay Risher. We're both intrigued with the simplicity of the concept.”

International Pairs, open to golfers with a USGA Index from all over the Western United States, provides an opportunity to represent Team USA in the World Finals at St. Andrews-all expenses paid! The only registration fee is at the local tournament level and, depending on the number of players participating, can be as low as $10. The winning two-person team advances to the U.S. Finals at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where they are treated to the 18-hole championship round of golf, accommodations, pairing/event dinner, and breakfast.

With an initial launch in California, prominent private golf clubs such as Northern California's The Olympic Club and Meadow Club along with Southern California's California Country Club, Old Ranch Country Club, and Sea Cliff Country Club have already hosted International Pairs events.

Participating golf clubs can either incorporate the competition into their existing Member/Member, Member/Guest, or men's and women's club tournaments or they can conduct a separate tournament to determine the pair that represents their club at the U.S. Finals and a possible trip to Scotland and the cradle of golf.

Samson added, “We had 22 teams this year at Quail Lodge and we expect 50 to 60 teams at future events. Many of our winners brought spouses, friends and family members and had a wonderful time. Once they've won their club event, only one more win puts them in St. Andrews. We think that's pretty special.”

The uncomplicated tournament approach is heralded by general managers and head golf professionals who have participated.

Chris Stein, PGA head golf professional at The Olympic Club in San Francisco revealed, “International Pairs has brought a unique event to the U.S. and provides our members a chance to compete for a spot in the U.S. Final and a chance to play St. Andrews against fellow golfers from around the world. There are tournaments out there that can be quite complicated, but I have found this to be the simplest I've been involved with and it's all done at a very reasonable one-time cost without any additional fees as players advance.”

Duncan Reno, general manager of Del Rio Country Club in Modesto adds, “It's a great concept and an inexpensive way to add another contest to our calendar. Frank Samson helped us promote it and was quite flexible in setting up a tournament that worked for us. We sent three teams to Carmel and the cost was covered by their entry fee. One of our teams came very close to winning it all at Quail Lodge and moving on to St. Andrews. That's not bad for a $24 entry fee and sending three teams.”

All expenses are paid for the victorious pair that jets off to St. Andrews. Samson explained, “Both golfers receive round-trip airfare, three nights' accommodations, meals and events, three rounds of golf, including the 36-hole championship round and memories to last a lifetime. It's that simple.”

The Napa area's Pete Loomis and his partner Scott DeMartini are headed to St. Andrews after winning at Quail Lodge. “I've never had the opportunity to play in a world competition and I'm looking forward to a wonderful new experience,” Loomis said. “My wife, who will be joining me, is pretty excited, too. In fact, she doesn't seem to mind when I want to go out and practice, now.”

DeMartini echoed his partner's sentiments. “We were very happy to be a part of the experience, but when we won, it was completely overwhelming and emotional,” he explained. “To represent the United States as an amateur golfer in Scotland is a truly amazing feeling. It's a dream come true.”

Loomis and DeMartini were very impressed with the regional event at Quail Lodge. They reported that accommodations, meals, and tournament functions were all first-rate. “This was a class act from start to finish,” DeMartini said. He said they also have the support of their competitors. “Nearly every team came up to hug us and offer congratulations. We're still on cloud nine.”

At last year's St. Andrews competition, Risher found himself caught up in the thrill. “I was as excited as the winners themselves,” he said. “Seeing the winners' tears, the hugs, the camaraderie was an emotional experience. The players had only known each other for about 48 hours, yet they were all caught up in the experience. It was a wonderful venue, a great golf course and we were treated like kings.”

Samson's look with a fresh pair of eyes has convinced him of the limitless potential of the International Pairs concept. “It's impossible to complicate this concept,” he said. “It's really quite simple. We are promoting the game of golf and the golfers' experiences through an inexpensive tournament that offers a chance at the golden ring-an all expenses-paid trip to St. Andrews. We want to involve a lot of golf clubs in our competition and we're headed in the right direction.”

For more information about International Pairs and how to be involved, contact International Pairs at 1-866-717-2477 or visit the website at www.internationalpairs.us.