INTERNATIONAL PAIRS BUCK WORLD
TREND AS CARIBBEAN COMES ON BOARD

Economies across the globe may be slowing down but International Pairs shows no sign of following the trend as the Caribbean has become the latest region to sign up to the world’s largest and fastest growing competition for club golfers.
Zorol Barthley, who heads Golf Experience Caribbean, based in Antigua, has been granted the inaugural national licence for the area as the reputation of International Pairs - which is staged in association with Visit Scotland - continues to spread worldwide.
Barthley has quite a name to live up to having held positions such as Chief of Cricket Operations at the West Indies Cricket Board for three years. He currently serves as chairman of three companies in Antigua; an insurance company, a publishing company and the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
The former West Indies under-19 cricket captain can’t wait to get started on his new challenge and believes International Pairs has the potential to become a major part of the Caribbean sporting calendar while increasing the awareness of golf in the Caribbean.
Barthley said: “Having become a golf addict, this was an opportunity too good to be missed. “My entrepreneurial spirit made it easy to recognise the business value and benefits and having worked in the international sporting field in the past, the global playing field was an added attraction.”
The Caribbean already boasts more than 100 courses, some of which are among the most beautiful and challenging in the world. Barthley anticipates up to 20 countries from the region will be playing in International Pairs next year, as well as others from Central America.
The 42-year-old is aiming to involve all 30 countries within the Caribbean and all of Central America in the International Pairs competition within the next few years while using it as a stepping stone towards international amateur tournaments between clubs and regions.
Barthley added: “I’m very excited about the challenge ahead. Interest in golf in the region is growing, as it is viewed as the sport of commerce and new courses are being built all the time.
“The one thing I can promise is that it will certainly not be boring and keeps thousands of amateurs dreaming about playing in Scotland, the Home of Golf.”
Ross Honey, chairman and founder of International Pairs, said: “It is tremendous news that someone of Zorol’s standing in the region has joined International Pairs.
“These are very exciting times and he can only help the competition go from strength to strength. Golf in the Caribbean is growing rapidly and his appointment demonstrates the vision we have for the future of the International Pairs on a national and international scale.”
Barthley will join pairs from around 30 countries including South Africa, Malaysia, Nigeria, Iceland and the USA later this year when they assemble at The Duke’s, St Andrews, and do battle at the 2008 International Pairs World Final from September 21-23.
Australia, Sweden and Spain have all joined International Pairs, which has been endorsed by Visit Scotland for the last six years, this year while it has also signed agreements with the English Golf Union and International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in the last 12 months.
Golf clubs, golfers and sponsors who want to learn more about International Pairs are invited to visit www.internationalpairs.com or email info@internationalpairs.com.