FUN, sun and immaculate Fijian fairways. What could be a better combination for the travelling golfer? Absolutely nothing.

And now you can get amongst it at one of the world’s most spectacular golf destinations and play an event at a course just days after world-class professionals have battled out a tournament of their own.

The inaugural Golf Getaway “Axe” is set to play out at the eye-popping Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, which is the home of the Fiji International, from April 29 to May 4, and as far as dream golf holidays go, this one ticks every golfer’s box.

While a trophy inspired by the ‘I Wau’ — a traditional Fijian warrior’s club — will be awarded to the winner of the tournament, make no mistake, this is one event with a strong focus on living it up in paradise.

Tourism Fiji’s Regional Director Carlah Walton said the opportunity to promote Fiji’s abundant natural wealth through a tropical family holiday with a couple of rounds of golf thrown in, was just too good to pass up.

“The Axe is the perfect introduction to golf in Fiji, and a wonderful precursor for social golfers to return to watch the Fiji International each year,” Ms Walton said.

Tying it in with the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Fiji International — which boasts a potential broadcast reach to more than 400 million people across 40 countries — is likely to ensure the ongoing success of the Golf Getaway Axe.

“Tourism Fiji’s plan with the Golf Getaway Axe tournament is to look at running it straight after the Fiji International each year, so that the social golfers will be able to watch the professionals on the last two days of the professional tournament,” Ms Walton said.

“Then they can learn from those PGA pros at Golf University and then play in the Axe tournament to test their skills on a course that is in tournament playing condition.”

Created with Tourism Fiji’s ‘Where Happiness Finds You!’ motto at its heart, the intention of the event is to have some serious fun with friends, family, fellow competitors and the locals at not only the golf course itself, but over a few island drinks at social events, too.

There to host players will be Golf Getaway TV presenter Andrew ‘Mirror’ McCombe, an avid lover of what Fiji offers itinerate golfers.

“My recent trip to Fiji was one of the highlights of my personal and professional life,” McCombe said.

“The golf at Natadola Bay was spectacular, the trip to the islands to swim with Manta Rays was surreal and the people were the friendliest on earth.”

“In a nutshell, I became passionate about Fiji, and the Golf Getaway Axe tournament is my way of sharing that experience with other passionate golfing tourists.”

The Golf Getaway Axe event includes:

  • Three days of tournament golf at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course;
  • Luxury accommodation at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa;
  • Celebrity Team Captains;
  • A Welcome Cocktail Party; and
  • A Gala Dinner / Presentation Night as well as optional pre- and post-tournament holiday options.

Yet what really sets this tournament apart from others is the inclusion of a preceding two-day Golf University (including 1-2 practice rounds) hosted by OneAsia Order of Merit winner Andre Stolz.

“Fiji is one of the best places in the world I’ve ever been to! In my 26 years on tour I’ve been lucky enough to play golf on every continent and nothing compares to the magnificent beaches and water activities you can do in Fiji whilst being amongst the most relaxed and friendly people I’ve ever come across”, says Stolz.

“I am looking forward to helping the players’ golf game grow and I can promise one of the best golf and holiday destinations anywhere. The views from most holes are second to none”.

Still not enough for you?

Well how about this. One lucky golfer will also get the chance to return to Fiji for the Fiji International for winning the Golf Getaway Axe.

In conjunction with PGA of Australia and Sports & Entertainment Ltd, Golf Getaway will award the winner a spot in the Fiji International Pro Am to be held on Wednesday, October 14.

The winner will also receive pre- and post-round hospitality, a tournament gift and the opportunity to play Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course with a tournament professional.

“This is a fantastic initiative by Tourism Fiji and Golf Getaway in providing the golfers of Australia with the opportunity to combine professional golf with their own competition and a holiday,” the PGA of Australia’s Fiji International general manager Natalie Ritter said.

“As the newest tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule, and certainly one of the most spectacular locations, we are excited to see that the people of Australia will have the opportunity to experience professional golf in paradise.”

The Fiji International remains the newest tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia, taking professional golf to the most idyllic and unique destination on the schedule. The inaugural event was played in 2014 and the tournament is set to continue at the stunning Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from October 15-18.
Playing for a prize purse of $1 million, the Fiji International is set to attract some of the world’s great players, and is the perfect reason to take a golfing holiday in paradise.

And as one last kicker, Golf Getaway is also giving you and a friend the chance to win a rock star Pacific Island Air helicopter or sea plane flight to Fiji’s world famous Castaway Island Resort for three nights.

Pay in full for the “Axe” tournament before January 30, 2015 to go in the draw for the prize valued at more than $3500.

For more information about the Golf Getaway “Axe” or to book your spot, visit www.golfgetaway.com.au or call 1300 361 949.