Children across Fife are being invited to get in the swing when St Andrews hosts the 2008 International Pairs World Final later this year - thanks to a revolutionary lightweight new golf ball.

American company almost Golf (correct) has supplied 1,650 of the unique balls to use in competitions at schools across the Kingdom of Fife in the build-up to the finals on September 21-23. 

The golf balls are ground-breaking in that, although they look and fly like a regular golf ball,  they have a soft cover with a limited range which means they are ideally suited for sports halls and limited space areas and cause no damage.

The lucky winning pair from each school will get the chance to join other children who have entered International Pairs poster, badge and letter-writing competitions throughout the summer in parading through the streets of St Andrews at the opening ceremony of one of the highlights in the amateur golf world calendar.

Teddy Durkin, chief operating officer of almost Golf, said: “The ball is really unique and it’s fantastic that International Pairs is giving children the chance to use them.

“The balls are used in more than 4,000 schools in America and juniors, beginners and serious players can now get real practice time in their backyard, school yard or on any playing field without the inconvenience of having to go to the golf course or range.”

Originally started as a local event in Hampshire in 1998, International Pairs - run in association with Visit Scotland - has grown to become the largest amateur tournament of its kind in the world for club golfers.

With more than 80 competitors from 30 countries having qualified across the globe to compete for the title of International Pairs World Champions, the competition has come of age in the last two years.

The competitions are being run at numerous schools throughout the Kingdom of Fife and are designed to test the pupils’ art, design and research skills.

And Provost of Fife, Frances Melville, who will perform the tournament's opening ceremony, will be on hand to present the winning children with their prizes.

Ross Honey, founder and chairman of International Pairs, said: “The reason we wanted the schools involved during our world finals is because we believe that the youth of today are the key to the future of the wonderful game of golf.

"The game teaches honesty, integrity and friendship and these are skills that all children, wherever they are from, appreciate and need.

"We are delighted that so many schools are participating in the competitions and we look forward to welcoming all the children and their parents to the parade and prize giving ceremony at the Town Hall in St Andrews."

Tony Cose, tournament co-ordinator for the 2008 International Pairs World Final, added: “We believe getting local children involved with our global event will not only increase their awareness of different countries of the world but also give them the opportunity to promote St Andrews and Scotland from a young persons point of view.”

This year's International Pairs world final is being held from September 21-23 at the renowned Duke’s, St Andrews - home of the Scottish Golf Union and host to numerous amateur tournaments including the 2008 Scottish Amateur Championship.

Honey added: “The help and support we have received, not only from the schools who recognise what we are trying to achieve but also local bodies like Fife Council, has been marvellous.

"We look set to have a fantastic event in September at the home of golf”