Amateur golfers across Australia will be vying to represent their nation at the Home of Golf later this year as International Pairs - the world’s largest amateur golf tournament of its kind - heads Down Under for the first time.

Shaun Green, who has worked in the golf travel and tournament industry in the UK and Australia for 15 years, is anticipating a huge response from both clubs and golfers after being appointed as the first International Pairs licence holder for Australia.

Established in 1998, more than 500,000 amateur golfers from 30 countries have so far competed in the International Pairs and the winners of Australia's national finals will then win through to the tournament's world final, which is being staged in 2008 on the hallowed links of St Andrews.

"International Pairs is an extremely prestigious event overseas and we’re really excited to be bringing it to Australia for the first time," said International Pairs Australia manager Shaun Green.

"Two mates from somewhere in Australia will not only get the opportunity to play at St Andrews, but also to compete against like-minded amateurs from as far afield as England, Canada, France, Germany, Scotland, South Africa and the USA.

"In the coming months we’ll be contacting golf clubs nationwide to take part in the event.

"The national finals will be staged in May 2008 and our national champions will then head to St Andrews for the International Pairs world final."

This year's world final will be held at The Duke's, St Andrews, from September 21-23, when competitors from around 30 countries are expected to gather for the chance to succeed English duo Shaun Smith and Simon Deaves as International Pairs world champions.

Martyn Ashcroft, who will be competing at the world final for the second time this year after winning the 2007 UK Final with partner Deen Graves at Carnoustie last October, summed up the excitement of the tournament.

Ashcroft said: "The two final days were the best of our sporting life.  We were living a golfing dream."

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.