Prime Minister Officially Launches Fiji International

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimara officially launched the Fiji International Golf Tournament at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa last night.

The event was attended by dignitaries, invited guests, major sponsors and players for the Fiji International which included the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau National Hero, Vijay Singh, last year’s champion Steve Jeffress and the highest ranked player in the field Matt Kuchar.

Vodafone Fiji Players Osea Kolinisau and Emosi Mulevoro with last year’s champion Steve Jeffrees

Vodafone Flying Fijian coach John McKee also attended the event and was commended and applauded for the Vodafone Flying Fijians performance at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Managing Director Sports and Entertainment Limited Basi Scaffidi said that after the impressive performance from the Flying Fijians, they would have definitely made the quarter finals had they been in a different pool.

In launching the Fiji International Mr Bainimarama invited more professional golfers to come to Fiji with their families and not only play golf but experience the Fijian hospitality which was unlike any other.

“Next year, I urge a lot more of you to bring your wives and children to share the Fijian experience.”

“I know the international circuit is very demanding but come back when you have some time off and enjoy a lot more of what our nation has to offer” he said.

Mr Bainimarama also said that Fiji’s partnership with PGA Australia was not just limited to staging the Fiji International in Fiji but raising the awareness of golf in Fiji, getting more Fijians to develop the passion for the game, golf clinics in schools, the purchase of equipment for junior golfers and a hitting bay that will be kept in Fiji.

“We are certain that there are more Vijay Singhs’ out there and we want to give them the opportunity and encouragement to hit their own holes in one.”

“With the Fiji International, golf is now part of Brand Fiji, our campaign across a broad front to take Fijian made goods and services to the world.  You can see part of that campaign this week in the Fijian crafted brand of arts and handicrafts that are on display at the tournament and have also been used to decorate the golfers’ tent.”

“We’re very proud of our hundreds of artisans in Fiji who are keeping our tradition alive by making items that are prized around the world for their quality.  So I hope that your experience at the tournament goes beyond what is happening on the fairways and that you leave Fiji not only having played or witnessed some fantastic golf, but with a deeper appreciation for our people and their culture” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of PGA Australia, Brian Thorburn, said that the 2014 Fiji International had attracted players from all over Australiasia, was televised in every corner of the globe and was witnessed by Fijian and international sports fans in person.

PGA Australia CEO Brad Thorburn

“This year’s staging is set to be even bigger as we once again welcome home Fiji’s own Vijay Singh and introduce American super star Matt Kuchar to the happiest place on earth.  The talent on display this week is exceptional; the Fiji International is fast earning a reputation amongst the world’s best golfers as a must-attend event for themselves and their families.”

The Fiji International Pro-Am tees off today where Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach, Ben Ryan and Vodafone Fiji 7s players Osea Kolinisau and Emosi Mulevoro will play in against other Pro-Am players.

They have encouraged all their fans to come and cheer for them on a different field of play which will be the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.  While this will be their first ever golf tournament, they have vowed to play their best.

The Fiji International Pro-Am tees off at 11am.