FOUNDER of International Pairs, reputed as one of the world's biggest amateur team event, Ross Honey, is one of the dignitaries that will grace the national final of the MTN Xtraspecial International Pairs billed for Ikoyi Club 1938.

The Nigerian qualifiers teed off on March 15 and is drawing to a close, with only the northern zonal qualifier slated for Kaduna left on the card. It is generally believed that Honey's visit will, among other things, bolster the country's golfing reputation, especially with his involvement in a number of international amateur events across the globe.

"Apart from South Africa, we (Nigeria) became the second African nation to sign up for the event and as such, has given international golfers a second look at us," said Global Golf's Marketing Director, Obinna Duru.

Global Golf Limited is franchise holder of the International Pairs in Nigeria. Duru continued: "When the final at the St. Andrews was rounded off last year, Nigeria's representative at the event, Remi Olukoya, performed creditably well and this, among other reasons, may have helped in informing his decision to attend the national finals this year to see things for himself.

Nigeria's first appearance at the event was in 2007 with only one qualifier. So far this year, over 400 golfers have been jostling for space in the event. At the national finals scheduled for the June 7 and 8 at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938, over 50 pairs would be competing in the 36 holes event, with a view to picking the two pairs that would represent the country at the world final in Saint Andrew, Scotland, in September next year.

The event is a better ball stableford event and over 30 countries have taken part in it since it was inaugurated in 2004.