International Pairs UK semi-finalist

ONE ARM NO PROBLEM FOR MAL
AS HE BOOKS PLACE IN SCOTLAND

Mal Broadhurst, father of European Tour star Paul, took a leaf out of his son’s book to win a place in this year’s International Pairs UK semi-finals - despite playing with only one arm.
Mal, 67, who lost his right arm in an industrial accident a few years ago, and his partner Terry Dymond were originally only going to mark brothers Matt and Nigel Duggins’ card in the qualifier at Breedon Priory Golf Club in Wilson, near Derby.
But the duo decided to enter the competition at the last minute and then proceeded to score 42 Stableford points in the four-ball, better-ball format to beat their playing partners on countback, thanks to a birdie from 17-handicapper Terry on the last hole.
“The initial plan was just for Terry and I to play round and score for them as it was my son-in-law and his brother,” said Mal, who lives in Swadlingcote and plays off 23.
“But when we got there we thought we might as well enter and things just clicked on the day. It was nip and tuck all the way round but then Terry rolled in an impossible putt for a 3 on the 18th - much to Matt and Nigel’s disgust.
“When things like that happen, you just know it’s going to be your day and you‘re destined to win from the start.”
Mal and Terry’s reward for beating 25 other pairs in the qualifier will be to travel to Scotland in October to line-up in their semi-final at Monifieth for the chance to play in the 2008 International Pairs UK Final, which is being held at Open Championship venue Carnoustie for the third year running.
The finals, which will determine the International Pairs national mens, ladies and mixed champions, will be played over Carnoustie's renowned Championship and Burnside courses from October 14-16.
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.
Mal, who has played in the World One-Arm Disabled Championships in the past and can still hit the ball close to 200 yards despite his disability, added: “I played Monifieth with Paul when he was just starting out in golf and it will be good to go back there. I’ve also played Carnoustie’s Championship Course but that was many years ago. I struggled enough then and that was when I had two arms so I have no idea how I’ll get on with only one!”
After a momentous 2007 which saw the English and South African Golf Unions and the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) officially endorse International Pairs, the competition, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, continues to grow at an amazing rate.
Australia, Sweden and Spain joined the tournament - the largest of its kind in the world for club golfers - earlier this year while Russia became the latest country to sign up this month.
And with International Pairs also having introduced a new additional way of entering in 2008 with the launch of the International Pairs Open Qualifier, a knock-out tournament open to all club golfers with a valid CONGU affiliated handicap, the future looks bright for the competition.
Ross Honey, chairman and founder of International Pairs, said: “We are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the competition realises its true potential for the thousands of people who enter the tournament - both in the UK and all over the world.”
International Pairs has been backed by VisitScotland for the last six years – and the national Scottish tourist body has committed to be the tournament’s main sponsor until at least the end of this year.
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.