The first Golf Fiji junior golf tournament in six years took place successfully at the Novotel Golf Course over the weekend, drawing participation from over 35 young golfers across the nation. Despite facing adverse weather conditions that led to a reduction in the number of playable holes to 15, the tournament proceeded with great enthusiasm.
Organizers hailed the determination and sportsmanship exhibited by the young participants throughout the event, showcasing their resilience despite the rain. In the U18 category, Aarav Nand achieved remarkable success, finishing with an impressive gross score of 59. He was followed closely by Demon Chen from Ba, who secured second place with a score of 62, while Rusiate from Suva rounded out the top three with a score of 63.
In the U12 division, played over nine holes, seven-year-old Kairav Prasad from Natadola Bay emerged as the champion with a score of 43. Anaya Chand from Ba took second place with 46, and Kayden Prasad followed in third with a score of 47. The U9 category, which involved players competing over five holes, saw Chriyansh Dass from Lautoka claim victory with a score of 31. Inoke Bolakoro Jnr finished second on 34, and Joseph Drauniniu, also from Lautoka, secured third place with a score of 40.
Golf Fiji president Amitesh Chandra expressed his gratitude to Inoke Bolakoro and the Novotel management for hosting and sponsoring the event’s main prize. Looking ahead, he confirmed that the next junior golf event is scheduled for the first-term school holidays at the Novotel Golf Course. The tournament was made possible through the sponsorship of Golf Fiji, New Delhi Electrical, and Easypar Golf.
This event not only marked a significant return for junior golf in Fiji but also highlighted the spirit of youth sportsmanship and community support, promising a bright future for the sport in the region.