Simon and Denise are a pair of aces! (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Simon and Denise are a pair of aces!

A PAIR of Tewkesbury golfers have been crowned 2006 Inter-national Pairs UK mixed cham-pions.

Set against the backdrop of the Northern Ireland peace talks, Fairmont St Andrews was host to the closing stages of the most closely-contested UK final in the history of the event.

While mounted police roamed the fairways as part of the resort's increased security measures, Simon and Denise Clayson, of Tewkesbury Park Golf Club, stole home with 72 stableford points to secure the title - ahead of tens of thousands of golfers who entered the hundreds of qualifying events this year.

But, with nine pairs finishing within five points of victory, it wasn't until the final pairs had returned to the clubhouse that the duo knew they had won.

They led the field overnight in the mixed competition, two points clear of their nearest rivals, having recorded 36 points on Carnoustie's Championship course.

Simon said: "We had a very even first 18 and were good in patches. Our aim throughout the competition was just to score two points a hole and, we knew if we did that, we would be in with a good chance and other pairs would have to play well to beat us."

Our aim throughout the competition was just to score two points a hole and, we knew if we did that, we would be in with a good chance and other pairs would have to play well to beat us.”

Simon Clayson

The duo now go on to represent their club and country in next year's International Pairs World Final on the same Scottish course.