October 12, 2015. Fiji Rugby 7’s stars Osea Kolinisau and Emosi Mulevoro along with National Coach Ben Ryan have arrived at the Fiji International excited for the big week of golf.
Arriving at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course via one of the AVIS courtesy cars, Kolinisau, Mulevoro and Ryan teed off their week at the tournament with a surprise visit at the junior golf clinic.
A huge hit with the kids the rugby stars remembered back to the days when they were young rugby fans.
“There are always young fans everywhere we go, because they are really crazy about Rugby in Fiji,” said Kolinisau.
“We were kids and crazy about the Fiji Team back then so it’s quite a privilege and an honour to come and meet the kids and show them that there is a new sport going on in Fiji which is golf and they should get involved early.”
Now rugby stars themselves they have also new golf fans with Mulevoro and Kolinisau only recently taking up the sport for the first time.
“I’ll probably just stick with rugby,” joked Kolinisau when asked of his ability on the golf course.
“It’s exciting, I just got started last month, he (Ryan) started me playing. I am really looking forward to watching the Professionals play this weekend.”
Coy about their own skills, Ryan an accomplished and avid golfer, told a different story of the player’s obvious natural talents.
“These guys are just being modest, they have only played a couple of rounds but they have both got birdies at Natadola and Pacific Harbour. Osea hit the pin off the tee,” said Ryan.
“They are good footballers and with athletic ability, so immediately they are competitive, want to hit the ball further more accurately.”
“That’s one of the great things about golf, you can always improve, it’s good fun and challenging.”
Looking forward to spending the week at the Fiji International, Ryan was pleased that they could be part of such a significant international event.
“It’s going to be a great week, I am a big fan of golf and obviously it’s brilliant for Fiji to have such a huge global event here. It’s great to get the boys involved as well, I can’t wait for the next few days,” added Ryan.
The trio will be in attendance each round of the Fiji International and will be available for public autograph sessions from 11am-12pm daily.
Make sure you are at the Fiji International to support your fellow Fijians as they take on the best players in the world.
Among the 154 Professionals teeing it up this week’s tournament will be seven Fijians including Major winner and local hero, Vijay Singh.
Purchase your ticket from a TOTAL Service Station before the tournament or on the gate at the Fiji International for $5 on Thursday and Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday.
The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Club from the 15th – 18th October and will be broadcast internationally on FoxSports.
PGA