The Fiji International will have a golden touch this year with Osea Kolinisau and Masivesi Dakuwaqa – Gold Medalists  in the Rio 2016 Olympics, and Vodafone Fiji 7’s player Emosi Mulevoro signing on as Ambassadors for the tournament.

The Vodafone Fiji 7’s made history this year winning Fiji’s first Olympic medal. Their gold medal win was celebrated around the world, drawing attention to Fiji’s sporting prowess.

The Fiji International, to be played from 6-9 October at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, also places Fiji firmly in the eyes of the world; showcasing the beauty of the country as a golfing mecca.

Aligning together the Fiji International and Vodafone Fiji Rugby 7’s will strengthen this message.

"The involvement of our world renowned sevens heroes will be a boost to this year’s Fiji International event. We anticipate a huge turnout from our locals to come and watch the Fiji international event while at the same time enjoy a moment with our rugby stars," said the Hon. Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Mr. Faiyaz Koya.

This is the second year that the Vodafone Rugby 7’s have been Ambassadors for their country’s largest sporting event; the Fiji International.

"We had a great time at the Fiji International last year. We always appreciate watching the most talented athletes excel at their sport and seeing Vijay Singh in action last year was very exciting," said Kolinisau.

"We can’t wait to come back this year as Olympic Gold Medalists and celebrate this special achievement with Fijian sports fans at the Fiji International."

John Masi O’Connor, CEO of the Fiji Rugby Union also commented, "The partnership between the Fiji Ruby Union (FRU) and the Fiji International is a continuation of the successful partnership formed last year."

"The FRU is pleased to be able to support the Fiji Government’s initiative to utilise the Fiji International and the boy’s win in Rio as a platform to promote Fiji around the world."   

The Fiji International is about more than just a professional golf tournament. The tournament aims to increase golf participation in Fiji and the involvement of the Vodafone Fiji Rugby 7’s is one initiative helping to achieve this.

"Emosi and I took up playing golf last year as a hobby and we are really enjoying it," added Kolinisau.

"It would be great to see more Fijians playing golf. We have won a gold medal in the Rugby 7’s and golf was a new sport in the Olympics this year too. It would be wonderful to see Fiji win an Olympic medal for golf one day."

The Fiji International is delighted to be able to share in the gold medal celebrations with the Vodafone Fiji Rugby 7’s.

"Fiji winning a gold medal in the Rugby 7’s was one of the most memorable moments of the Rio Olympics," said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

"We are honoured to have Osea Kolinisau and Masivesi Dakuwaqa – Gold Medalists in the Rio 2016 Olympics together with Vodafone Fiji 7’s player Emosi Mulevoro as Ambassadors for the Fiji International. Their participation will confirm the Fiji International as an integral sporting event on the Fijian calendar, where golf is still an emerging sport."

As Ambassadors of the Fiji International, they will attend the Welcome Dinner on Tuesday 4 October and will enjoy the tournament in the unique corporate hospitality. They will also conduct daily fan meet and greets and sign autographs.

About the Fiji International:

The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 6-9 October for AU$1.5million in prizemoney with tickets on sale at the gate and online.

Enticed by the tropical destination, World Number 23 Brandt Snedeker will headline a field which also stars Fijian hero and three time Major champion Vijay Singh.

This year, the Fiji International expands its global presence and confirms its position as an integral tournament in the South Pacific region, with the tournament being co-sanctioned by the European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

A pacific paradise, the Fiji International also boasts some of the most unique hospitality options in world golf with the par-3 4th hole providing the perfect vantage point to watch the golf, whilst socialising on the beach.

More than just a golf tournament, the Fiji International aims to leave a lasting legacy for golf in the Pacific region, with the PGA of Australia supporting initiatives to introduce and grow the game in Fiji.

The Fiji International is proudly supported by InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa as the official resort of the tournament until 2017.