Fiji International Offers more than Just Golf

Round One of the Fiji International teed off this morning at 6.15am local time.  While the weather is challenging, with high winds making things tough for the Pros, they know that it will be an enjoyable experience. 

As they took on the challenge of the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, there was an array of activities organized by the Fiji International for those not on the course to enjoy.

One in particular is the Golf Development Program which involves 35 local schools with the aim of increasing awareness of the sport of golf and establishing a strong foundation for the sustainability of golf in the nation.

The children got to witness the Pros in action at the Fiji International and also meet Brand Ambassadors and Vodafone Fiji 7s stars, Osea Kolinisau and Emosi Kolinisau for autographs and photo opportunities, much to their delight.  The two players played in the Pro-Am yesterday and were out meeting all the golf fans today.

Vdoafone Fiji 7s player Osea Kolinisau signing autographs for Namaka Public School students

The Golf Development program, which began in 2014 together with the inaugural Fiji International, includes socializing the game of golf with school students at selected schools across the nation through one-hour fun and interactive golf clinics conducted by PGA qualified golf professionals from PGA of Australia alongside Fiji PGA.

The Professional Golfers Association of Fiji and National Golf Association of Fiji have both expressed appreciation to the Fiji International stake holders for paving the way to leave behind a legacy of golf in Fiji and for growing the game. The same sentiments were echoed by the National Sports Commission of Fiji in a meeting held last year together with PGA of Australia and all the relevant sports bodies.

As promised by Prime Minister Mr Voreqe Bainimarama at the official launch, Fijian Made products and cultural products handcrafted by Sanasana villagers were also on sale in bures at the Fiji International.

Handcrafted items on sale.

This was the experience that he spoke about, not only for the players and the spectators to enjoy golf but to also indulge in the Fijian experience and take home a piece of Fiji.