The Fiji International is becoming a coveted title amongst Professional golfers from around the world with a place in the field a much sort after position.
The Fiji International is becoming a coveted title amongst Professional golfers from around the world with a place in the field a much sort after position.
With a prime position on the PGA Tour of Australasia and
OneAsia schedules many of Asia Pacific’s elite Professional players will
automatically gain access to the Fiji International but for others a number of further
opportunities exist to enter the field.
The Fiji Open, contested two weeks ago, presented one of
those prospects with the winner of the tournament and the leading Fijian golfer
rewarded with a place into the Fiji International.
With so much to play for the Fiji Open saw players from
Australia and New Zealand jetting to Fiji to compete.
Ed Stedman emerged victorious with Tomasi Tuivana the
leading Fijian; both will now take their place in the field at Natadola Bay
Championship Golf Course from 15-18 October 2015 for the Fiji International.
In 2014 Stedman came close to competing in the inaugural
Fiji International which was eventually won by his friend Steven Jeffress.
"I got so close to playing last year, I think I was maybe
the first alternate in the end but I just missed out," said Stedman.
"Everyone who I spoke to who played last year said how great
the Fiji International was, that it was a very well run event and that the
course was really demanding."
This year Stedman was determined not to be left behind in
Australia watching the prestigious tournament live on Fox Sports, he wants to by
playing alongside his friend, trying to win his maiden title on Tour.
"I’m good mates with Steve Jeffress to it was cool to see
him win, it gave us all a bit of hope that we could be next," added Stedman.
"The opportunity to secure a place in the Fiji International
via the Fiji Open was a big carrot to go and play."
"I know for a lot of guys from Australian and New Zealand it
was an opportunity to good to pass up, it was why we all went to play."
Stedman achieved his ultimate goal, a place at the Fiji
International, but his time in Fiji also doubled as an opportunity to escape
the Australian winter.
"To get over to Fiji at this time of year couldn’t be more
perfect, it’s so cold back home and I don’t think it dropped below 20 degrees a
night," added Stedman who lives in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.
"I had about two weeks over there and I think I played golf
every day except for one but I went to the beach a few times, just to hang out
with the boys and swim in the ocean was nice."
"There was a lot of golf and not a lot of time to relax but
even just the scenery is beautiful."
Stedman has already had a taste of what he can expect of
Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course in October for the Fiji International.
"My first week in Fiji, I stayed at Natadola Bay and it was
beautiful, even just the scenery from the golf course, getting to play the
holes along the beach," added Stedman.
"I think having been over there for myself now, it’s true
what everyone says, it’s a great place to go and visit, everyone is just so
friendly and relaxed."
If
you want to kick off your summer early and join us at one of the
world’s most idyllic locations, there are several hospitality packages
available for visitors attending the tournament.
The
Paradise Club allows you to enjoy all the action of world class golf
while overlooking the 18th from the heights of the Clubhouse. Take your
pick of veranda lounges, socialise in the greenside bure, or sit down
for a meal inside.
Where the sand is your friend, the Natadola Beach Oasis
is where golf meets the beach. Located on one of the signature holes,
you can enjoy all the excitement of the stunning Par 3, 4th
hole, while socialising on the beach.
The
ultimate way to kick off tournament week is to attend the Official Gala
Dinner on Tuesday 13th October. The dinner will be hosted by the
magnificent InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. With many of the
tournament players in attendance it is your opportunity to get up close
and personal with the stars.
Friday night at the Fiji International. On
the eve of weekend’s play, the Cut Party welcomes the weekend and
celebrates the tournament to date. It epitomises the Fijian experience,
with music, food and drinks flowing all evening. Many of the players
will make an appearance at the Cut Party.
Pro-Am
packages – there are limited packages available which include a spot in
the tournament Pro-Am on Wednesday 14th October and entry to the
Official Gala Dinner.