With less than two months to go excitement surrounding this year’s Fijian International is building with the stage is set for some of the world’s best golfers to return to Fiji’s idyllic shores.

However, while the Fijian International is attracting worldwide attention, tournament organisers are focused on delivering a fun filled week that can be enjoyed by all Fijians.

This year will see the Fijian International follow on from the success of 2014, with the promises of being bigger and better this time around. Natalie Ritter, General Manager of Tournament Operations for the PGA of Australia encourages all Fijians to get involved in this years event.

“One thing we learned last year is just how dedicated the Fijian community is to making the event a success,” said Ritter, who spent much of 2014 in Fiji preparing for the first tournament.

“This year the entire Fijian community has the opportunity to be involved in the Fijian International in various ways,”

“Whether it is via volunteering at the event, spectating in the general admission area, hosting corporate guests in the hospitality areas or learning the sport itself via free lessons or junior clinics, there is something for everyone at the Fiji International.”

“Last year we had more than 50 local organisations provide goods and services to the event, and numerous more indirectly related.”

“In a very short time we managed to build a tournament venue that rivalled any longstanding international golf event.”

While the support of local business is hugely important to the tournament, it is hoped that an increased number of Fijians come and enjoy a day at the golf, which presents the opportunity to experience a premium international event.

The Fijian International is not just for golfers, the size and scope of an internationally broadcast event is a spectacle in itself and adds to the fun of this international event.

This year there will be free golf lessons and kid’s golf zone with expanded activities in the main tournament hub, merchandise shops, food stalls, bars and local crafts on display so even non-golfers can enjoy an afternoon at the Fijian International.

The Fijian International is an integral component to ensuring Fiji cashes in on the lucrative global golf tourism market and to help achieve this the tournament is aiming to grow the game golf in the country.

“One of our aims is to not only showcase Fiji to the world, but also to elevate golf as a sport of interest within Fiji,” added Ritter.

“We know that golf tourism is one of the fastest growing tourism sectors worldwide, and as a result an extremely important sport to the Fiji community. Increasing the awareness and interest in golf will hopefully have a benefit long term to the community here, and we aim to assist this over coming years,”

In a partnership with the international governing body of golf the Royal and Ancient (R&A), National Golf Association of Fiji and the Fiji PGA the delivery of junior coaching equipment, education and training to school teachers, PGA Professionals and assistance as required to the administration bodies in Fiji, will be provided.

“More than 25 teachers have been trained to teach golf to kids and eight junior golf equipment kits have been delivered.”

The Fijian International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 15-18 October.

The Fijian International is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and will be played for a minimum prize purse of AU$1 million, with the tournament broadcast around the world.

There’s something for all Fijians at this year’s Fijian International, we’re in, are you?

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