The Geotech Drilling and Islands Electric Lautoka Open tomorrow will see for the first time a purse of $4000 for the winning professional golfer.

This was confirmed by Lautoka Golf Club chairman of trustees Raymond Singh who is working towards making the Lautoka Open one of the most prestigious events for local golfers.

“This prize-money will certainly reflect the championship and especially the overwhelming response from golfers from around the country,” Singh said.

“This would also be the first time professional golfers will participate in the Lautoka Open since its inception.

“This is the first time we are putting up a purse for the professionals and reflects our intention to make the Lautoka Open the best in the country.”

Singh said this would also be the biggest purse offered to local professional in any local Open championship.

“The club is proud to support these professionals as they have gone through the amateur days and represented the country in different tournaments.”

The Lautoka Open has had some big names on the winners’ board over the years but none bigger than the country’s most renowned and former world No.1 Vijay Singh  who won the event in 1981 and 1982.

Singh said he was also excited to see the return of Mahmood Buksh.

“Buksh won back to back titles in 1984-1985 and was a gold medallist at the South Pacific Games in 1987 in Tahiti and 1989 Mini Games in Tonga.”

“Now he returns as a professional and that means 30 years since he last played here.”

“He was one of the best amateurs during that time and played alongside the late Vilikesa Kalou who was the only golfer to receive the sportsman of the year award in 1987.

Other national reps who would be gunning for the prize-money includes Vikrant Chandra, Ronil Prakash, Zaheer Ahmed, Inoke Bolakoro, Apenisa Koroicure, Anasa Seruvatu, Waisiki Vati and Tomasi Tuivuna.

“With the professionals out there playing on Saturday, this will give our young golfers a chance to enhance their game as we are big into junior golf development in Lautoka.” Edited by Osea Bola

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