One of the most influential men in Australasian golf has visited Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course ahead of the Fiji International and is pleased with what he sees.
ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Tournament Director Andrew Langford-Jones, who will later in the year referee golf at the Rio Olympics, conducted his first site inspection ahead of this year’s Fiji International and has predicted European Tour players will be impressed by what awaits them.
“European courses are a totally different style to Natadola Bay. The European players coming out are used to cold, wet weather and soft greens. They won’t get that in Fiji but I am confident they will be thrilled with the place,” said Langford-Jones.
“Natadola Bay is worthy of the best players in the world, we saw that last year when Matt Kuchar won in a very difficult week, where the winds were excessive.”
“We are hoping the weather will be kinder to us and if it is, the Fiji International will blow the minds of the Europeans that compete because there is not a more beautiful course anywhere in the world.”
Involved with the Fiji International since the tournament’s inaugural staging in 2014, Langford-Jones believes the tournament is headed in the right direction with the European Tour co-sanctioning.
“We have gone from the OneAsia platform to the European Tour which is one of the biggest Tours in the world. This is a real step up for the Fiji International,” added Langford-Jones.
“Europe is such a big Tour now, so there may be tournaments that clash with the Fiji International, but the depth of player that comes to Fiji will be far superior of that in the past.”
“It’s like a snowball running downhill; it’s going to gain momentum from here. The hardest years are the first two or three but once the players recognise what a great venue Fiji is, what a great golf course Natadola is and how their families will enjoy the trip I am sure it will go from strength to strength.”
It’s the positive word of mouth from the marquee players who have competed in the Fiji International in the past that is the biggest key to securing more world class players in the future.
“Having Matt Kuchar here last year was a big accomplishment. This year there is a chance of other players of his calibre coming across on the back of the praise Kuchar gave the tournament.”
“There is a real chance that some American’s may come out as well as the Aussies that play on the PGA TOUR in America coming to support the Fiji International.”
“As long as we continue to show the players a good time, look after their families and present them with a golf course which is competitive and challenging the Fiji International’s reputation as a must attend event will continue to grow.”
As much as Langford-Jones enjoys watching the Fiji International grow each year, he enjoys watching the people of Fiji embrace golf even more.
“Now that the people of Fiji are starting to learn about the nuances of golf, understanding the rules and the challenges of the game they are enjoying their roles in the tournament more,” added Langford-Jones.
“Caddies are one area which has improved out of sight over the past two years. When the tournament started most of them had no idea what was expected of a caddy.”
“It’s great to watch all facets of the Fiji International grow and improve every year.”