Local caddy Stedman’s lucky charm

Ed Stedman will have the privilege of striking the first ball on Thursday when the Fiji International gets under way at the Vijay Singh designed Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

“It’s a great feeling being able to get out in the first group, hopefully before the wind gets up,” said Stedman.

Last year it was Steven Jeffress who opened play and went on to win. However, what could be another good omen for Stedman is the fact that he is being guided around the course by local caddy Knox, who also caddied for Jeffress in 2014.

“I’ve got the same caddy as Steve, so hopefully there is a link there that at the end of the week I’m up there somewhere,” added Stedman.

The weather at Natadola Bay this week will be challenging for the field, with high winds making things tough out on course, but Stedman is relaxed knowing that he has the right man on his bag and someone he can rely for local knowledge

“It’s certainly very challenging. The more experience out here the better, I think that’s why Steve did so well.”

“Knox is a great fellow; he just cruises along he’s typical Fijian. He works here at the golf club and I’ve known Knox for about the same sort of time Steve has, the last five or six years”.

“He’s very positive and very good on the wind which is obviously going to be a factor this week. I’m looking forward to having a fun week with him.”

“To have someone that is also a local is a great help, I’ll be asking questions to no doubt.”

Stedman’s best finish on the PGA Tour of Australasia this season was T6 at the Queensland PGA Championship and as he heads into this week’s tournament, Stedman is confident about his game and comfortable with his preparation.

“The game feels pretty good, I enjoy playing here, I enjoyed the test. I think I have the right clubs set up and the putter feels pretty good so hopefully that can stay through the week.”

Round one of the Fiji International will get underway on Thursday with Stedman teeing off at 6:15am local time alongside Marcus Cain and Jason Kang.

The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Club from the 15th – 18th October and will be broadcast internationally on FoxSports.