Pacific Habour’s James Pridgeon returned to golf competition last Saturday after a two-year lapse.

And he did it in style to claim the 90th Shop N Save Lautoka Open Golf Championship 2021.

Pridgeon shot 72, eventually ending Nadi businessman Abid Hussain’s grip on the title after he carded 73.

Pridgeon started the first nine well where he had three over. In the second nine, on the 12th and 13th he pulled a couple of birdies, a double bogey on the 15th hole, which pulled him back to even par but then managed a birdie on the 18th.

“Overall an exciting day for me, you know, the completely unexpected feel of golf was pretty tough,” Pridgeon said.

“It was completely unexpected. I actually came out for a round of social golf. I haven’t played much golf over the last two years. I’ve been pursuing higher education, getting organised, and been extremely busy with work,” he added.

“Today, it was all about coming out and catching up with my childhood friends that I’ve grown up with.”

“Sometimes you perform the best when you are actually enjoying what you’re doing.”

Pridgeon comes from a golfing family and did take a break to concentrate on his higher education but in those two years of being away from golf, it never left his thoughts.

“I think it’s kind of like a surfer. You’re always looking for the next big break. The next wave that you want to surf in and for golfing it’s the same thing. We’re always searching for the next course for the next opportunity.”

“And I’m just grateful for the fact that, in the last two years I’ve been focusing on my studies.”

“I’ve come out again and done something that I love doing.”

Pridgeon graduated with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the South Pacific; he now works for Tourism Fiji.

“I had to study every day, nine to five on Saturdays.”

“And so golf is usually played on a Saturday. There’s always a Saturday, so I just literally couldn’t participate,” he said.

Prakash Wins Pro
Lautoka school teacher Ronnel Prakash now leads the Fiji Order of Merit after he carded two under 67.

He collected $1100 for his effort.

Prakash thanked businessman Raymond Singh for his support.

“I dedicate this win to my mum Sarda Devi and my sweetheart Ranjiline Prakash,” he said.

Suva based- Tomasi Tuivuna shot even 69 ahead of Sam Lee who carded 70.

Fiji PGA tournament coordinator Zoheer Ahmad thanked Lautoka Golf Club and the sponsors for organising a grand event for the professional golfers.

Shop N Save director Sanjay Prasad said they are happy to be associated with the sport and would grow it with LGC.

Amateur Results: James Pridgeon -72 gross, Jeff John – 64 nett, A-grade – Abid Hussain 73, b-grade Abdul Janiff, c- Anil Prakash, A – Dennis Singh 70 nett, Lawrence John -68, Avinesh Datt -64. NTP 2/11 – A John, 9 – Vinod Chand, Longest drive – James Pridgeon,

Professional: NTP 2/11 – Roneel Prakash, NTP 9 – Anasa Seruvatu, Longest drive – Amitesh Chandra.
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