The Nadi- based Sam Lee took out the Cardo’s sponsored Fiji Open Golf Championship for the first time at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club in Nadi yesterday.

He shot four under par 68 in his final round to add to the (68, 65) to contribute a total tally of 201 after 54 holes. He became the first Fijian pro to win since Mukesh Chand who had won the title in 2002.

“It really feels good, 2002 saw the last local golfer win the Fiji Open, so it gives another spark to the Fiji International and it’s good to keep the trophy at home,” he said.

Lee made his debut in the Fiji Open at the Fiji Golf Club in Vatuwaqa, Suva, as a junior and he missed the tournament for some years due to his university studies in America.

“I remember that I had dreamt to win the Fiji Open as a junior in Suva. But I did not know that it was that hard to win it. I really played well in the last three days and made a few mistakes today.”

Lee pocketed $4100 for his win while John Munn and Oscar Cadenhead collected $2190 each for their efforts in the three- day event.

He now sets his eyes on the Fiji International in August and is grateful to his sponsors Vuksich and Borich.

He shot a total of three shots ahead of second place Munn (67, 68, and 69) and Cadenhead of Christchurch (69, 64, and 71) who shot a total of 204.

In fourth spot was Kiwi and 2017 winner Kieran Muir with a score of 206 who also tied with Hayden Beard.

In the amateur results: Nadi businessman Abid Hussein scored an overall gross of 217 with Rohit Chandra (212) in overall nett.

 – Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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