Australian Steven Bowditch and American Boo Weekley are heading to Fiji, not for a holiday, but to tee it up at the Fiji International.
One of the newest tournaments on the European Tour, the Fiji International has become one of the most popular stops on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
Fast earning a reputation as a must attend tournament for the best golfers in the world, Bowditch and Weekley are the latest international players to sign on for the Fiji International after Brandt Snedeker and Vijay Singh also committed to the tournament.
To be played from 6-9 October, the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course provides a stunning layout for championship golf but best mates Bowditch and Weekley are also looking forward to enjoying some of the tourist attractions Fiji is renowned for.
“When I heard about the Fiji International, it was immediately on the top of my list of tournaments I wanted to play,” said Steven Bowditch, a two time winner on the PGA TOUR and three time winner on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
“To be in Fiji, with the relaxed atmosphere, and play golf will be a great way to unwind after a long season in the U.S.”
“And to have Boo coming with me definitely means we will find some fun away from the course.”
One of the most colourful characters on the PGA TOUR, Weekley is sure to entertain golf fans in Fiji as much as he will be entertained by Fiji.
“I hope the golf is good in Fiji but I love fishing, so I’m looking forward to checking that out too,” said Weekley, a three time winner on the PGA TOUR.
“We are lucky to do the job that we do. Playing golf has taken me to some great countries around the world and I can’t wait to experience Fiji.”
Bowditch and Weekley are well travelled mates. With their humorous and laid back attitudes the pair made plenty of Aussie fans when they travelled to Australia for the 2014 summer of golf and the same is anticipated in Fiji.
“Boo and Steven are world-class players who each have multiple PGA TOUR victories on their resumes but they are also great personalities,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia which oversees the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
“They are exactly the type of players we hope to host in Fiji; they are both PGA TOUR regulars and will put on a great display of golf during the Fiji International, but they will also enjoy their time in the tropical paradise.”
“It is important to us that the best golfers in the world enjoy the Fiji International and spread the message to their colleagues that Fiji is a great destination to visit.”
The Fiji International continues to grow from strength to strength and the inclusion of Bowditch and Weekley to the field is a real boost for the 2016 tournament.
“The momentum for the Fiji International is building and we are excited to welcome more professional golfers to the country. Every player that comes to Fiji will not only experience the fantastic courses we have but also our famous Fijian hospitality,” said the Honorable Faiyaz Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism.
“It is definitely an exciting time for golf in Fiji and we look forward to watching Steven Bowditch and Boo Weekley in action at the Fiji International.”
About the Fiji International
The Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 6-9 October for AU$1.5million in prizemoney, with tickets on sale at the gate and online.
Enticed by the tropical destination, World Number 23 Brandt Snedeker will headline a field which also stars Fijian hero and three time Major champion Vijay Singh.
This year, the Fiji International expands its global presence and confirms its position as an integral tournament in the South Pacific region, with the tournament being co-sanctioned by the European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
A Pacific paradise, the Fiji International also boasts some of the most unique hospitality options in world golf with the par-3 4th hole providing the perfect vantage point to watch the golf, whilst socialising on the beach.
More than just a golf tournament, the Fiji International aims to leave a lasting legacy for golf in the Pacific region, with the PGA of Australia supporting initiatives to introduce and grow the game in Fiji.
The Fiji International is proudly supported by InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa as the official resort of the tournament until 2017.