GOLF Fiji has celebrated what it describes as a landmark season, showcasing significant advancements in international competitions, a surge in junior participation, and increased support for local clubs. President Amitesh Chandra noted that 2025 was particularly noteworthy, featuring the organization of six world ranking events—the highest number hosted in a single year.
One of the year’s standout achievements was the remarkable progress made by 21-year-old Raina Kumar, making history as the first female golfer from Fiji to earn a world ranking. Another notable performer, Shakeel Pillay, showed substantial improvement, climbing from around 4,000th place in January to nearly breaking into the top 1,000 this week.
Reflecting on the year’s successes, Chandra stated, “This year has been a very successful one for Golf Fiji. Our elite squad development has been strong, and we now have over 50 active junior players across the country.” The growth in junior participants has been significantly influenced by Novotel’s support, along with guidance from a PGA professional, which has been essential in implementing development programs.
To strengthen local golf clubs, Golf Fiji invested approximately $20,000 into affiliated clubs including Ba, Nadi, Pacific Harbour, Novotel, Lautoka, and Denarau, aiming to foster development at all levels. A similar funding initiative is in the pipeline for 2026. However, Chandra faced the ongoing challenge of securing sponsorships, remarking that golf is still considered a minority sport in Fiji. He pointed out that many potential sponsors do not grasp the nuances of the game. “While we do have some backers, most of them are golfers themselves, and if company leadership doesn’t engage with golf, they are often reluctant to offer support,” he explained.
Looking forward, Golf Fiji is poised to begin its 2026 calendar with a national junior event at Novotel on January 10, followed by the Fiji Amateur Championship in March. The much-anticipated Fiji Open is again set to take place during the Fiji Day weekend at the Fiji Golf Club. Chandra emphasized that while Golf Fiji can introduce programs and create opportunities, the true measure of success lies in individual commitment and enthusiasm. With a positive outlook, it appears that the sport is on an exciting trajectory for growth in Fiji.