New Fiji Golf Tournament Announced on PGA of Australia
September 19, 2013
The Fiji Government and the PGA of Australia have agreed a partnership to create the largest and most acclaimed sporting event in Fiji, impotent the Fiji International.
The golf event from 2014 will be played at the spectacular Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course for a five-year period with a guaranteed minimum prize purse of US$1 million.
The PGA Tour of Australasia tournament will be managed by the PGA in conjunction with tournament promoter Sports & Entertainment Limited (SEL), and will be co-sanctioned by OneAsia, of which the PGA is a founding partner.
In making the announcement alongside Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Brian Thorburn CEO of the PGA of Australia said the Fiji International presents an opportunity for Fiji to claim a position as one of the world’s greatest golf destinations.
Brian Thorburn CEO of the PGA of Australia, commented on the deal: “This is a significant day for Fiji, the PGA of Australia and OneAsia.”
“The Fiji International will perfectly complement Fiji’s tourism strategy at the same time delivering both short and long term economic benefits.”
“With a broadcast reach to over 400 million people across 40 countries, the Fiji International will rightfully showcase Fiji as a world class golf and tourist destination and we’re proud to be involved with this promising project.”
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said that his Government fully supported this initiative.
“The signing of today’s MOU is a significant moment for Fiji because it demonstrates that the PGA has faith in our country to hold one of its major events. Faith in our infrastructure. Faith in our economy. And faith in our people. I am here to say that we are equal to the opportunity and look forward to a strong and lasting relationship with the PGA.”
The Prime Minister also said that the Fiji International will showcase Fiji to the world.
“With a potential broadcast reach to more than 400 million people across 40 countries, it will feature Fiji as a top golf and tourist destination in millions of homes around the globe.”
“It will give us a fantastic avenue to promote our beautiful nation and show the world what we have to offer.”
While the final date is yet to be confirmed, the inaugural Fiji International will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course in August 2014.