National Hero Vijay Singh will once again headline the Fiji International which will feature more Fijian players this year.
Confirming this week that he is heading home, Singh who is a three time Major Championship winner is looking forward to playing a professional tournament on Fijian soil.
“I am pleased to be returning home to play in the Fiji International which is building the profile of the sport that I love in the country that I love,” said Singh.
Hosting a Professional golf tournament is the first step towards growing golf in Fiji but the Fiji International is aiming to provide a lasting year-long legacy of golf in the country.
The week of the tournament everyone can come to Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course and give golf a try whilst also getting some tips from the Professionals.
While year-round the PGA has been working successfully with local schools to introduce golf as part of the school curriculum.
The popularity of golf is already starting to grow and as a reflection on the depth of golfing talent already in Fiji, the Fiji International will this year see more local players teeing it up than in the inaugural staging of the tournament.
Joining Vijay Singh in the field will be his brother Krishna Singh who has also carved a successful career competing on the pro-am circuit in Australia.
Dinesh Chand who has won three titles on the Japan Golf Tour and two on the Japan Challenge Tour will also be competing in the Fiji International for a second year.
25-year-old Sam Lee will be competing in the tournament as a Professional for the first time.
He turned Professional at the start of the year after earning his playing rights for the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Also securing a place in the field via local qualifying is Anasa Seravatu, who first became involved in golf as a caddy at the Suva Golf Club.
However his talent for hitting the golf ball soon overcame that of carrying a bag and he quickly rose through the amateur ranks to now be one of Fiji’s leading Professionals.
Teaching Professional Bill Sugutaraga from Denarau will show his students he has what it takes to compete against the world’s best as he also earned a place at the Fiji International via local qualifying.
The final Fijian in the field is Tomasi Tuivana.
One to watch during the Fiji International, Tuivana earned his place by finishing the leading Fijian at the Fiji Open.
This takes the tally of local players competing in the AU$1.
125million tournament up to seven which is a 75% increase on last year when four Fijians teed it up.
While there will be plenty of local talent for Fijian sports fans to watch, Vijay Singh is sure to be the most popular to take out the title.
Singh finished tied 10th at the Fiji International last year which is also played on the golf course that he designed.
In 2015 it is clear that Singh is returned home with one goal and that is to win the Fiji International.
“I enjoyed my time competing in the inaugural tournament, and this year I am motivated to try and win,” said Singh.
Make sure you are at the Fiji International to support your fellow Fijians as they take on the best players in the world.
Purchase your ticket from a TOTAL Service Station before the tournament for xxx or on the gate at the Fiji International for $20.
The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 15-18 October.