The inaugural Fiji International will be played at the spectacular Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from August 14-17 2014 organisers confirmed today.
Launched in September, planning is now well underway for the inaugural PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia sanctioned event, which will boast a minimum prizepurse of US$1 million.
Confirmed for a five-year period the Fiji International is expected to deliver substantial economic and tourism benefits to the South Pacific nation, with the August date a favourable position for the tournament in its first year.
“To be played the week following the US PGA Championship we’re confident this date will give us the best opportunity to attract a quality field,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia.
“August is one of the best times of year to visit and experience all that Fiji has to offer and we’re looking forward to showcasing Natadola Bay to the world.”
Participating players, their caddies and families are expected to arrive in Fiji early in the week with Monday 11th designated as a practice day.
The tournament pro-am will take place on Wednesday 13th with the four-day 72-hole tournament to be contested from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th.
The Fiji International will be broadcast globally via OneAsia’s television platform and is expected to produce a multi-million dollar boost for the Fijian economy, in addition to flow on benefits.
The Fijian Attorney General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said Fiji was delighted to be able to welcome both the PGA competition and the world’s best golfers to Natadola.
“This is a long term partnership and we look forward to working with the PGA to promote the event and also tell the rest of the world about Fiji as a holiday destination and the wonderful hospitality and friendliness of the Fijian people”.
Tournament Promoter Sports & Entertainment Limited (SEL) said the scheduling also bode well for commercial opportunities and confirmed discussions were ongoing with a number of interested sponsors.
“The Fiji International is one of the most unique commercial opportunities seen in the region for years,” said Basil Scaffidi, Managing Director of SEL, Australia’s leading sports marketing organisation.
“Because of the setting and culture, the Fiji International is far from a traditional golf tournament, giving us great flexibility and creativity in terms of the opportunities on offer.”
Located on Fiji’s Coral Coast, Natadola Bay is approximately less than an hour south of Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu.
The course is renowned for its sparkling backdrop of coral reefs and the Pacific Ocean that line 15 out of the 18 championship holes.