The Fiji International is just weeks away and a top class field is assembling to contest the inaugural tournament from the 14-17 August.
The Fiji International is just weeks away and a top class field is assembling to contest the inaugural tournament from the 14-17 August.
Being played at the challenging and picturesque Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course we take a look inside the field:
Vijay Singh: The former World Number 1 and Fijian hero will be the crowd favourite. One of the most successful players in the field, the Major champion has plenty of local knowledge given he designed the course. Motivated to give back to golf in his home country Singh is delighted to be in the field. "Since it was launched I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of," said Singh who grew up living nearby a golf course and was introduced to the game by his father. "There are plenty of kids in Fiji who have never seen a golf club, never hit a golf ball. I know the PGA has plans for growing the game in Fiji and I want to play my part."
Nick Price: A three time Major Champion Price is going to add plenty of star power to the tournament. Highly regarded around the world, Price is also the captain of the International Team for The President’s Cup to be held in South Korea next year. The Fiji International provides the opportunity for sports fans in Fiji to witness world-class golf for the first time but also allows Professionals like Price a unique Fijian experience. "I am looking forward to competing in the Fiji International. I hear the Natadola Bay course is well designed by Vijay and will provide a fitting challenge," said Price. "I have also heard a lot about the beauty of Fiji and the hospitality of its people so while I will be aiming to compete on the course I also look forward to exploring the island."
Brendan Jones: One of the most prolific winners on the Japan Golf Tour Jones will tee it up at Natadola Bay for the first time in his career. Known for his pure ball striking, Jones is excited to play the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course after hearing rave reviews from fellow Australian Tour Professionals. "Brad Kennedy (a fellow Japan Tour winner) has spoken to me about the course and mentioned that it is fantastic. He said it is one of the best he has ever played but hard as well." Coming back from a wrist injury Jones is backing his skills in the wind to give him an edge on the competition. "If the wind gets up then shooting around par is going to put you near the top of the leaderboard. I am always quite confident in my ability to play in the wind. The windier the better it will be for me," added Jones who finished runner-up at the 2012 Australian Open when gale force winds suspended play.
Anirban Lahiri: India’s top ranked player Lahiri will compete in the tournament only a month after playing in The Open Championship. Lahiri is already a winner on the Asian Tour in 2014 taking his international victories tally to 11; he also currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Lahiri has had a highly successful 12 months which also includes representing his country in the World Cup of Golf. "I enjoy competing in different places around the world so I am pleased to add the Fiji International to my schedule. Fiji is a beautiful holiday destination but I will be focused on claiming the title. There are a lot of good players in the field; I look forward to the challenge," said Lahiri.
Craig Parry: Needing no introduction to Australian golf fans, Parry is one of the country’s most successful Professionals. The holder of 23 international career victories he has previous wins on the world’s biggest golf Tours, the PGA TOUR and European Tour. He has a string of victories from his home country, including two Australian Opens, the Australian PGA Championship and three Australian Masters titles. Having played in all corners of the world, Parry says he’s looking forward to experiencing Fiji’s renowned hospitality. "We’re very lucky as Professional golfers that we get to visit some great places," said Parry. "It’s going to be a strong tournament. There’s some great players in the field and the course will be a tough test."
Matthew Griffin: One of Australia’s emerging stars Griffin is no stranger to Fiji. In 2009 he won the Fiji Open and since then his career has gone from strength to strength. He returns to Natadola Bay with five international victories to his name and will be a favourite to take out the inaugural tournament. "Being a previous winner gives me a big advantage heading into the tournament," said Griffin. "I have played the course a number of times and feel confident around the testing layout. Given the strong winds expected having previous knowledge will be a big advantage. Having had a number of wins I know if I am in the mix come Sunday then I can give myself a chance to win the Fiji International."
Peter O’Malley: One of Australia’s most respected and loved Tour Professional O’Malley is also set to charm the crowds in Fiji. A multiple winner on the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia, throughout his career O’Malley has captured significant titles in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia. Well-regarded internationally, O’Malley has proudly represented his country three times in the prestigious World Cup of Golf. "Since it was announced, we’ve all been looking forward to this tournament and supporting it in its first year," said O’Malley. "Fiji is renowned as a great holiday destination but I’ve also heard some really good things about the golf course at Natadola. I’m looking forward to getting over there."
Dinesh Chand: One of Fiji’s best ever golfers, Chand will return home to take part in the Fiji International. With a career that spans more than 20 years Chand has won three times on the Japan Tour and twice on the Japan Challenge Tour. "It just feels great, I am so proud to be a Fijian. It will be very different playing in front of our home crowd. We are very small island and to have such a big event is a dream," said Chand.
The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 14-17 August and will be Fiji’s first internationally broadcast golf tournament.
Being played for a US$1 million prize purse the Fiji International will be co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
Proudly supported by the Fijian Government, the Fiji International is expected to produce a multi-million dollar boost for the Fijian economy, in addition to flow on benefits including the growth of the game in the region.
Designed by Singh, the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is renowned for its sparkling backdrop of coral reefs and the Pacific Ocean that line 15 out of the 18 championship holes.