The eyes of the golfing world will fall on St Andrews at the start of next month when the historic city plays host to the 2007 International Pairs World Final.

Competitors from across the globe will converge on the Home of Golf from July 1-3 to take part in the largest competition of its kind in the world for club golfers - which is backed by VisitScotland. The fourth International Pairs World Final is being staged at the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews resort and this year’s event promises to be the most colourful and spectacular yet in the tournament’s history.

Players from the 23 countries will parade from the world-famous Old Course accompanied by music from the City of St Andrews Pipe Band and Scottish Highland dancers before gathering at St Andrews University‘s historic Upper College Hall.

Councillor Frances Melville, who was appointed as the first female Provost of Fife in May, will then perform the opening ceremony to a packed audience.

Ross Honey, founder and managing director of International Pairs, said: “We were determined to make this year’s world final the most memorable yet and what could be better than to have it at the Home of Golf.

“The historic old town will provide a tremendous backdrop to what will be a fantastic three days of golf and entertainment and it is also a great honour for us to have the new Provost playing her full part in the occasion.”

This year’s competition will feature countries from as far-a-field as South Africa, Iceland, China, Thailand and Nigeria while the Philippines will return to defend the title they won at Celtic Manor 11 months ago.

Competitors will gather at the Swilcan Bridge (on Sunday July 1 at 6.00 pm) for a photoshoot before marching from the Old Course off the historic links and up North Street before arriving at the Upper College Hall for the opening ceremony.

Kate Hughes, St Andrews Locality Manager from Fife Council said: “We are looking forward to welcoming all the players participating in this years International Pairs World Championship. We hope that their stay in the town is enjoyable and they are encouraged to return in the future to discover more of what is on offer here and in the rest of Fife”

Scottish champions Richard Oliver and Justin Aitchison, from Eyemouth Golf Club, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, will fly the flag for the home nation in the 36-hole Stableford event.

Fairmont St Andrews boasts two of the finest links courses in the region – The Devlin and The Torrance, the latter having been upgraded to an Open Championship qualifying course in 2005– and is certain to provide a stern test for the 35 pairs taking part.

Honey, a Hampshire businessman who initially started International Pairs as a county-wide concern in 1998, added: “Fairmont St Andrews has been the spiritual home of the International Pairs since we first held the UK final there in 2003, and it’s a fitting venue for this year’s world final.

“A five-star venue in every way, Fairmont St Andrews has two of the finest golf courses around and will prove a privilege and a challenge in equal measure to the competitors. The scene is set for a truly unforgettable final.”

International Pairs has been back by VisitScotland for the last five years - and the national Scottish tourist body has committed to be the tournament's main sponsor until at least next year.