Following on from successful editions of the PGA School Golf Clinic program in 2015 and 2016, the Fiji International has committed to growing the game through Fijian schools again in 2017, this year proudly supported by Westpac.
With inspiration from Jason Norris’ thrilling Fiji International victory at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, Westpac is helping to find the next golfing protégé and building participation in the sport through the Westpac PGA School Golf Clinic program.
The program is currently running on the main island of Viti Levu, and sees up to 20 schools participate in a six week course, with new schools in Ba included in the 2017 program. The clinics are conducted by Emani Nuirua, the Fiji PGA Professional who completed the PGA of Australia community instructor program in Melbourne earlier this year and is currently driving grassroots participation in Fiji.
During the Fiji International tournament, 11 more school teachers from the participating schools were trained and accredited under the PGA of Australia community instructor program which is endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission.
On top of learning the basics of golf, students will also benefit from a session on financial literacy conducted by Westpac.
“This year we are thrilled to have a major involvement in the Westpac PGA School Golf Clinic program,” said Brett Hooker, General Manager, Westpac Fiji.
“Giving back to the Fijian community is something that we are very passionate about here at Westpac, and we look forward to working closely with the PGA of Australia to encourage golf programs in schools and golf at the grassroots level in a boost to the community.”
The PGA of Australia, along with Golf Fiji and the Fiji PGA continue to work with the Fiji Sports Commission on growing golf with an aim to continue to officially accredit more school teachers and development officers around Fiji to ensure grassroots golf continues to grow.
Westpac are a strong supporter of community engagement, which is evident via their support of the Volunteer Program at the Fiji International along with the junior development program, they remained a staunch supporter of the tournament in 2017.
“We’re delighted to have Westpac supporting golf in Fiji,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
“We certainly share the same values as Westpac when it comes to giving back to the Fijian community and we’re happy to provide the correct training and tools to a growing number of PGA Professionals based in Fiji.
“Golf is a game you can play for life and we look forward to discovering the next Vijay Singh through the Westpac PGA School Golf Clinic.”
The Westpac PGA School Golf Clinic program will conclude at the end of Term 3 with the Westpac Financial Literacy session and presentation of awards to students.