Caption: Former world number one and Fiji’s very own Vijay Singh. Photo: SUPPLIED.
By NICOLE O’FARRELL
Golfers from 16 countries will converge on Fiji for next week’s Fiji International, with organisers extremely pleased with the calibre of players competing in the inaugural tournament.
Countries to be represented in the golf tournament field include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Fiji, India, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, United States of America and Zimbabwe.
“Such a broad representation will ensure the tournament attracts international media attention showcasing Fiji’s spectacular scenery, culture and people to the world,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia.
“There’s a lot of excitement amongst the players for this tournament and they’re all looking forward to competing in Fiji for the very first time.”
Co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia the Fiji International will be Fiji’s first ever internationally broadcast golf tournament with Official World Golf Ranking points on offer to those in the field.
Through the tournament’s television partners, the Fiji International will be broadcast to a worldwide audience across more than 30 countries in over 400 million homes.
Never before has Fiji gained such exposure through a single sporting event.
“Working alongside the Fijian Government, a lot of work has been done behind the scenes to ensure this tournament brings the greatest benefit to the people of Fiji,” added Thorburn.
“After the Fiji International, we want people all over the world to be talking about Fiji not only as one of the world’s best holiday destinations, but also as one of the world’s most spectacular golf destinations.”
Fiji’s own Vijay Singh will be among those competing in the tournament.
Singh will arrive back in Fiji next Tuesday and says he’s looking forward to competing in front of his friends and family.
“I haven’t been back in five or six years, it will be a nice return,” said Singh.
“I’m hoping the Fiji International will be a big success in Fiji and we can go on and make it a bigger and better event in the future.”
“Hopefully everyone will support it.”
Singh will be one of three Fijians in the field alongside Dinesh Chand and Korean-born Fiji National Squad member Sam Lee who secured his spot via local qualifying last weekend.
The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 14-17 August with a prizepool of US$1 million on offer.
Tickets are now on sale through selected Total Service Stations and RC Manubhai stores.
Total Service Stations selling tickets include: The Total Tavua, Total Ba, Total Lautoka, Total Navutu, Total Namaka, Total Corner Pt, Total Town end (Nadi), Total Sigatoka. Suva areas: Total Lami, Total Hibiscus, Total Flagstaff, Total Laucala, Total Makoi and Total Nausori.
Thanks to the support of the Fijian Government, tickets are available to Fijian residents at a reduced rate when proof of residence is shown.
The cost of a ticket includes a free shuttle bus from the corner of Maro Road and Queens Road junction in Natadola, and 10 per cent discount on bus travel with Sunbeam to the junction (normal bus timetable to apply.)
Children 16 years and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
For further information visit www.fijiinternational.com.