Being played in a tropical paradise, four players teed off their Fiji International week on a relaxing note.

Ben Campbell (NZL), Casey O’Toole (USA), Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) and Gavin Green (MAS) were hosted by Tourism Fiji on board the 86 foot motor yacht Bel’Mare.

Magnificently appointed the Bel’Mare boasts three bed rooms, four deck areas, jetski and all the modern luxuries guests could hope for.

Departing Port Denarau Marina, the players cruised out to Malamala Island for a swim stop which included some jetski fun.

“We are here on a yacht, enjoying the sunset in the middle of the sea, the deep blue sea in the Fiji islands. This is my first time to Fiji and my first time on a yacht. I’m loving it,” said Thai player Panuphol Pittayarat.

Gavin Green of Malaysia adding, “We all went out on the jetski, which was pretty cool. That thing had some serious heat.

“This is my first time to Fiji, I got in to the tournament last minute but I am glad that I’m here.”

Meanwhile, Ben Campbell was just happy to have escaped the New Zealand winter.

“We are out on Bel’Mare Cruises and I was just out on the jetski. I jumped in the water and can’t believe how warm it is, a bit different to back home in New Zealand. We are having a nice evening,” said Campbell.

But American Casey O’Toole summed it up best; “This is the coolest place I have ever been.”

Having worked up an appetite, the boys relaxed on the back deck watching the sunset whilst the private chef prepared a four course meal.

“We are just on a yacht trying to enjoy Fiji life. It’s a little different because I am from the city we don’t usually get this so coming out here is a privilege,” added Green.

“The hospitality is huge; it is different, very welcoming and calm. I enjoy the people and the food.”

It was the perfect way to relax before the rigours of practice begin on Tuesday ahead of the first round on Thursday.

“The yacht, this has been my favourite part of Fiji and the weather. The people here are very generous and nice, and a lot of coconuts,” laughed the young Thai who is nicknamed Coco.

While Green added, “We’ve forgotten that we have come here for golf but the course is really nice. It’s very windy but it’s golf and we are in Fiji, the wind is a factor.”

The sunset cruise and Fiji has left a lasting impression on the young stars with them all agreeing they will be coming back.

“The water here in Fiji is nice and warm, I jumped off the boat once and I would love to do it again,” said Panuphol.

“The water is pretty sweet; I don’t think I have seen water this blue before. I’ll definitely come back to Fiji for a holiday,” said Green.

“I’ve been lucky enough to come to Fiji a fair bit, this is probably by eighth or ninth trip and it’s always great. The people are so lovely and you get well looked after especially at the Fiji International, it is definitely one of the best trips of the year.”