The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways tees off next week and is possibly the single biggest tourism advertisement for the country each year.

However, organisers of the Fiji’s largest international event believe the tournament should be more than just an advert with the local community also direct beneficiaries.

“It’s always been our goal for the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways to be about more than just a one-week golf tournament,” said Gavin Kirkman CEO of the PGA of Australia which owns the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and along with Sports and Entertainment Limited owns the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways.

“Our hope is that we can leave a lasting legacy for the entire nation of Fiji beyond just the four days of tournament play and the exposure that brings.

“Promoting tourism to Fiji via the international television coverage is a very obvious benefit of playing here but we want the tournament to be more than just an ad for Fiji as a destination.

“We are proud to host a number of community initiatives that we hope Fijians not only become involved in but also reap the benefits.

At a media launch today hosted alongside The Hon. Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism – Faiyaz Koya the Bucks for Birdies and SmartLabs Free Medical Testing initiatives were launched.

Bucks for birdies; golf boosts schools in Fiji

Birdies are the goal of every golfer in every tournament but gaining a stroke on the field will take on a whole new meaning at the 2018 Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways.

Professional golfers teeing up at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course will be playing for more than just themselves from 2-5 August as every birdie made – by every player in the field – will mean $10 FJD donated to the Fiji school system.

“We are excited by the initiative presented to us by the PGA of Australia, it’s such a novel way to help re-build our resources after the devastation caused by our most recent cyclones” said The Hon. Koya.

“It will provide our students with even more reason to follow the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, knowing that the more birdies scored the more funding they will receive.

“It really is a great way to engage our students during the tournament and leaving a legacy past the event this year.”

The birdie count has been trending upwards the past two years at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course and organisers and educators will be hoping that continues in 2018.

In 2014 players amassed 1,048 birdies with difficult conditions seeing that figure drop to just 843 in 2015.

But 2016 and 2017 have seen a significant uptick with 1,321 registered in 2016 and 1,318 last year.

Another strong field will gather at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways this year, including four-time major winner and 2019 Presidents Cup Captain Ernie Els, and the ‘Bucks for Birdies’ initiative is set to reap the rewards.

“The Bucks for Birdies initiative is a perfect example of how professional golf can have a positive impact well beyond the playing of the game and it is a source of great pride to everyone at the PGA, including the players, to be involved in something so important.”

Working alongside the Ministry for Education, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways has identified six schools which are set to benefit from the Bucks for Birdies initiative including Batiri Public School, Naidiri Bay Khasla Primary, Malomalo Primary, Rahmatullah Khan Memorial Primary, Tuva Primary and Nadroga Arya College.

With the final Bucks for Birdies donation amount to be announced following play on Sunday 5th August, these six schools will be eagerly awaiting the official birdie count with the donated money set to fund school books and resources or sporting equipment.

In addition to the monetary donation, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways is proud to donate to these schools new books with thanks from Pan Macmillan.

Attend the golf and stay healthy

The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways to proud to have partnered with SmartLab Fiji since 2016.

With free entry to the tournament for Fijian residents, more than 200 health checks have been conducted at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course and this year those checks will focus on diabetes testing.

The Smart Lab health check bus will be on site at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways from Thursday – Sunday, opening 10am each day and has also been present at the Give Golf a Go Roadshow events in Sigatoka, Suva and Denarau.

“We’re delighted to help provide an important service together with Smart Lab free of charge to the Fijian locals during the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways,” added Kirkman.

“The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways is an event for the Fijian community and each year we endeavour to give back. Working with Smart Lad to provide free health checks is one of the ways we do this.

“Golf is widely respected for the health benefits it provides participants. It is a low impact sport which can be played by people of all abilities and ages while being played outside in the fresh air it also has a positive impact on mental health as well as stress reduction.”

Smart Lab aims to raise awareness of NCD’s and work on ensuring the community seeks medical assistance early where required.

Other initiatives…

In addition to the Bucks for Birdies and SmartLabs initiatives the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways is proud to support:

• Tourism Fiji Road to the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways Super Saturday free buses
• Westpac Schools Golf Program
• Westpac School Finale Competition Give Golf a Go Roadshow
• Fiji National University work experience program and scholarship

Tourism Fiji presents the Road to the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways – Super Saturday promotion

• Tourism Fiji, in conjunction with TTF and the Fiji International team have confirmed that they are providing the “Road to the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways Super Saturday” promotion.

• Free buses will be running from four locations on the Saturday of tournament week to ensure all Fijian’s have the opportunity to attend the tournament.

• Buses will leave from ON Saturday 4th August:
o Lautoka Golf Club – 10.30am
o Nadi Sangham School – 10.30am
o Sigatoka Pacific Service Station – 10.30am
o Pacific Harbour Golf Club – 10.30am
• All buses will depart at roughly 4.00pm back to the same location
• This is an initiative of Tourism Fiji, and complements the free entry for Fijian residents.