The Pacific Island paradise island of Fiji has now joined the Race to Dubai.
The European Tour announced the Fiji International is set to become even more global in 2016 thanks to a new co-sanctioning relationship between the PGA Tour of Australasia and The European Tour.
Professional golfers from all over the world are set to descend on Fiji when the tournament is played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from October 6–9.
The Acting Fiji Prime Minister and Attorney-General Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum welcomed the news of the Fiji International’s inclusion on The European Tour.
The Fiji International host course.
“Being part of the European Tour provides Fiji with an unprecedented level of exposure, and we will be able to reach markets where we do not have a presence,” said the Hon. Acting Prime Minister.
“Cyclone Winston has shown our vulnerability, therefore it is critical that we broaden our economic base and take up opportunities. We need to think outside the box. A couple of years ago, the Fijian Government saw the future and took the leap to host a PGA event that opened up a new segment of tourism.”
The Acting Prime Minsiter added that the FNPF has committed to upgrading the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. He said: “It is important that people not only enjoy the scenic view but also the golf course, so that they come back to play the course and recommend it to their friends and families.”
The Fiji International is set to become part of the Race to Dubai schedule
The new co-sanctioning relationship between the PGA Tour of Australasia and The European Tour is set to attract a stronger field, with more nationalities represented than ever before. The Fiji International will also be broadcast live into more homes thanks to European Tour Productions’ global reach.
Close to 400 million homes around the world, including the important Asian, North American and Australian markets, will witness the beauty of Fiji as the Fiji International is broadcast live for 20 hours this year.
“One of the key aims of the Fiji International is to showcase Fiji to the world as not only a beautiful island paradise, but also a golfing mecca,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia which oversees the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Of course, the Fiji International is not a new event having first been staged in 2013 and was won last year by American Matt Kuchar.
