Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course’s own Sam Lee has booked his place in the 2016 Fiji International.
Finishing as the leading player from Fiji at the Fiji Open, Lee becomes the first local player to confirm their place in the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour co-sanctioned tournament.
“I am delighted to once again represent my country at an international tournament on home soil,” said Lee.
“It’s an honour to play in such a large tournament in front of my friends and family. I hope lots of Fijian people will come out to support me and the Fiji International.”
The Fiji International was first staged in 2014 and Lee has earned a place in the field every year.
Lee made his debut at the inaugural tournament when he was just an amateur. A promising talent, Lee was in awe competing in the Fiji International and fired scores of 73 and 79 to miss the cut.
Last year, Lee competed in the Fiji International as a Professional after he secured his status on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
Having a year’s experience under this belt and feeling more comfortable on the big stage, Lee fired rounds of 78 and 79 to make the cut. But it was on the weekend where Lee really came into his own, with rounds of 73 and 71 to finish tied 26th.
“Each year I am growing in confidence but also gaining experience competing in big tournaments,” added Lee.
“I was really nervous at the Fiji International in 2014; I was a little bit disappointed to have missed the cut but looked at the week as a learning opportunity to play in a major tournament at home. Not every golfer gets the chance to do that.”
“Last year my aim was to make the cut and I was so proud to have achieved that feat. This year I would like to do even better. Each year I feel like I am improving as a player so I am expecting big things from myself at the Fiji International in October.”
Lee is a member at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course where the Fiji International will be played from 6-9 October.
A challenging layout that is subject to strong winds, Lee believes his local knowledge will be a huge advantage.
“Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is beautiful but with the undulating greens it can also be tricky. When the Tour Officials speed up the greens it becomes even harder, especially if there are strong winds like last year,” added Lee.
“I know the course so well, I have a very definite plan on how I like to play it but I also know how to adapt to allow for the wind.”
“This year with the European Tour players coming to Fiji, a lot of them will never have played the course before. They will only have a few days to learn what I already know. This will be a huge advantage for me.”
Lee will be looking to use every advantage he has, with the winner of the Fiji International this year afforded full status on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia as well as the European Tour.
“The Fiji International could be the launch pad for someone’s career. I would love that somebody to be me,” added Lee.
“The next few months I will be focused on preparing for the tournament, it would be a dream come true to win the Fiji International.”
The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 6-9 October and will be co-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour.
For further information about the tournament please visit fijiinternational.com