| The magic of International Pairs continues in South Africa’s most iconic golfing destination. The curtain has fallen on the 2025 International Pairs World Final, and what a week it was at the legendary Sun City Resort. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Pilanesberg mountains, golfers from around the world came together not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit that defines International Pairs – unity, friendship, and the love of the game. From the immaculate fairways of the Gary Player Country Club to the dramatic beauty of the Lost City Golf Course, players delivered exceptional performances in what became one of the most memorable World Finals to date. |
| Arrival Day & Welcome Cocktail Evening As the players and guests arrived at Sun City, excitement filled the air. For many, this was their first glimpse of South Africa’s most iconic resort — a place synonymous with world-class golf and luxury. Tournament registration at the hotels set the tone for a smooth, professional week ahead, while familiar faces reunited and new friendships quickly formed in the lobby lounges and practice greens. That evening, everyone gathered poolside at the Sun City Hotel for the Welcome Cocktail Evening — a relaxed and elegant opening to the World Final. Surrounded by warm lights and live entertainment, guests enjoyed a perfect African sunset as the event’s official welcome speeches marked the start of a week that would celebrate 27 years of International Pairs history. The following night brought one of the most symbolic and emotional moments of the event — the Flag Ceremony, held at the entrance of the Valley of Waves. |
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| As the evening sky turned gold, national flags from across the world were proudly raised, representing the unity and diversity of this global amateur tournament. It was a powerful reminder that the International Pairs isn’t just about golf — it’s about bringing people together from every corner of the world. After the ceremony, players, captains, and guests moved to the Captains’ Dinner, where Ryder Cup Legends Manuel Piñero, Costantino Rocca, and Eddie Polland shared stories, laughter, and memories from their incredible careers. The evening blended tradition and inspiration, setting the stage for the competition that awaited the next morning. Early Drama in the Championship – Namibia Leads the Charge The opening round set the stage for a thrilling competition. Under the South African sun, Team Namibia came out firing in the Championship Division, taking the early lead with a strong Day 1 performance that had everyone watching closely. But the field was packed with talent, and as the leaderboard tightened, it was clear that nothing was going to be decided early. |
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| Meanwhile, in the Women’s Division, Team Italy of Dorothee Wilms and Simona Cornacchia were dominant from the very first tee shot. They played near-flawless golf across both days, holding a commanding five-point lead heading into Day 2, showing incredible consistency and calm under pressure. Mixed Pairs: Local Pride and International Excellence In the Mixed Pairs Division, local favourites Desmond and Charline Bloem used their home-ground advantage to perfection. After a steady start, they found their rhythm on the final day, producing a composed and confident round to surge ahead and claim victory – a fitting win on South African soil. In the Gross Division, Team Japan of Keisuke Masuda and Yasunori Kawashima were unstoppable, shooting rounds of 67 and 69 for a combined 8-under-par total over two days. Their precision and teamwork set the standard for excellence, earning them the title of best gross scorers of the 2025 World Final. |
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| Champions Crowned at Sun City After two days of spectacular golf, the champions of the 2025 International Pairs World Final were crowned in front of a packed audience at the Sun Central Convention Centre. Championship Division: Toby Green & Taylor Price (Wales) Women’s Division: Dorothee Wilms & Simona Cornacchia (Italy) Mixed Pairs Division: Desmond Bloem & Charline Bloem (South Africa) Gross Division: Keisuke Masuda & Yasunori Kawashima (Japan) The victory of the Welsh duo, Toby Green and Taylor Price, captured hearts across the golfing world. Their triumph at Sun City made waves back home, with the pair featured on BBC Radio the following morning and celebrated in local Welsh newspaper headlines. It was a proud moment not only for Wales as their first year hosting the International Pairs, but for the International Pairs community, showcasing how far the event’s stories now reach. |
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| The Ryder Experience – A Battle of Legends This year also marked the debut of the Ryder Experience in singles matchplay format, captained by Ryder Cup greats Manuel Piñero, Costantino Rocca, and Eddie Polland. From the very start, the atmosphere was electric. Team Manuel Piñero came out strong and ended Day 1 with a 5.5-point lead, setting the pace with confident, tactical play. Despite spirited comebacks from Team Polland and Team Rocca, Piñero’s team held their advantage and went on to claim victory in the inaugural Ryder Experience, marking the start of an exciting new tradition within the International Pairs World Final. A Celebration Beyond the Fairways Off the course, the week was filled with unforgettable experiences, from the 27-Year Flag Ceremony at the Valley of Waves, followed by a Q&A with the Ryder Cup legends. Players and guests soaked in the vibrant Sun City atmosphere, enjoying world-class hospitality, entertainment, and the camaraderie that defines the International Pairs spirit. |
| A heartfelt thank you was extended to the Sun City Team, Africa Golf Safari, iBPUTTER Sweet Spot, Wunderpar, Off The Deck Media Productions, and Lush for their invaluable contributions and support throughout the event. A Message from Armandt Scholtz, Managing Director – International Pairs Golf “Hosting the World Final at Sun City has been an incredible milestone for International Pairs. Seeing players from around the world compete here – on one of golf’s most historic stages is something truly special. Every participant should be proud of what they’ve achieved. This week wasn’t just about golf; it was about connection, culture, and shared passion. Sun City has set a new standard for what the World Final can be, and we look forward to building on this success for 2026.” |
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| The Legacy Continues As the sun set over the fairways of Sun City, one thing was clear – the International Pairs World Final continues to be more than just a tournament. It’s a global celebration of golf, where friendships are forged, memories are made, and champions are crowned on some of the world’s most iconic courses. Congratulations to all our 2025 World Final participants and champions – you’ve written another unforgettable chapter in the International Pairs story. You can find the results of Internationals Pairs 2025 here. |
| Text Credits: International Pairs Photo Credits: International Pairs Video Credits: International Pairs |