Jarryd Hayne is returning to Fiji as an ambassador for Fiji Airways to support the country’s biggest international sporting event; the Fiji International.
A successful sportsman, Hayne will turn his hand to golf as he tees it up as a VIP guest in the official tournament pro-am at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course before watching on as some of the best golfers in the world chase glory at the Fiji International from 6-9 October.
Hayne will play alongside two time PGA TOUR winner Steven Bowditch with a place in their team to be auctioned to raise money for the Cyclone Winston recovery efforts.
“I love Fiji and I love sport so to be able to come back and witness Fiji’s largest sporting event is a great way to spend some time,” said Hayne.
“I am pumped to be playing in the pro-am with Steven Bowditch. I know he can hit the ball a mile, I can’t wait to see him in action whilst actually playing with him,” said Hayne.
“Playing with a two-time PGA TOUR winner is an incredible opportunity that doesn’t come around very often. I hope that a golf fan out there sees playing with Bowdo and I as a unique experience and that we generate a large donation for the Winston recovery efforts.”
Hayne will attend the Fiji International which will be headlined by three time Major Champion Vijay Singh, World Number 23 Brandt Snedeker (USA) and PGA TOUR winners Steven Bowditch (AUS), Boo Weekley (USA), Heath Slocum (USA) and Robert Allenby (AUS).
Hayne’s own skills will also be on display in Fiji as he joins fellow Aussie rugby legend George Gregan and Fiji 7’s players in hosting a junior rugby clinic at the Fiji International.
“Having Jarryd join us at the Fiji International is a real privilege; he is so well loved in Fiji,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
“The Fiji International aims to grow the exposure of Fiji on the world stage. Jarryd has proven he is a world-class athlete in so many sports and has a global fan base. His support of the Fiji International will further assist the Fiji International in reaching all sports fans, not just golf fans.”
Hayne, a Fiji Airways ambassador, will make his first trip to Fiji since returning to Australia to pursue his NRL career with the Gold Coast Titans.
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 the Fijian Government, Tourism Fiji and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa as the official resort of the tournament until 2017. Fiji Airways is the official airline of the Fiji International.