When the last putt is sunk on the 18th green on Sunday, the PGA says its commitment to growing the game of golf in Fiji is far from over.Over the last few months the PGA has been committed to growing the game of golf in Fiji at a grassroots level, and estimates that through their programs and investments, thousands of Fijians have had the opportunity to pick up a golf club for the very first time.

In the lead up to the Fiji International, the PGA along with local development officers staged golf clinics at more than 20 schools across Fiji and also invested in its top coaches visiting Fiji to assist with the development of local golfers.

"It’s a long-term strategy aimed at increasing participation, supporting the local industry and also supporting Fiji’s elite amateurs who are likely to go on and represent the country on the international stage," said Thorburn today.

"The Fiji International is about so much more than delivering a world-class golf tournament over these four days, and we need to look at what’s also going on in the periphery to make sure that we’re ready to identify and assist the next Vijay Singh."

Earlier this year the PGA announced a four-year sponsorship of Fiji’s National Golf Team as part of the PGA’s promise to help develop the game of golf within Fiji alongside the National Golf Association of Fiji and other local industry groups.

"This sponsorship is a great opportunity for the PGA of Australia to directly benefit the game of golf in Fiji and use our knowledge and resources to assist the local golf industry, the general community and the wider Fijian economy."

As part of the sponsorship the PGA of Australia is providing financial assistance to the Fijian National Team until the end of 2016 as well as provide its members with additional coaching and development opportunities.

Today, during the third round of the Fiji International, the next generation of Fijian golfers were again given the opportunity to learn the basics of golf with a clinic staged on site at Natadola for junior golfers.

"We’re committed to leaving a long term legacy for golf in Fiji – a legacy that goes well beyond what’s happening here on the scoreboard this week."