Tomasi Tuivuna secured the professional title at the Naviti Open Pro-Am, an event held last Saturday at the Naviti Resort course, organized by Golf Fiji and the Fiji PGA. This exciting day of golf witnessed the participation of over 42 players on the distinctive all-par-3, nine-hole layout, with professionals vying for a total purse of $4,300 while amateurs competed for prizes worth more than $3,000.
Tuivuna emerged as the champion in the professional division, finishing with an impressive score of 60 to claim a prize of $850. Following closely was Waisake Vati, who took second place with a score of 61, earning $650. In the amateur division, Rohit Chandra clinched the title with a score of 67, while Mohd Nawaz was recognized as the best net winner with a score of 62. The ladies’ category saw Soni Matthews excel with the best gross score of 77, and Susie Yee winning as the best net performer.
Golf Fiji president Amitesh Chandra expressed his delight at the event’s turnout and praised the sponsors for their support. He remarked, “It was a great day of fun and we thank the Naviti team for its hospitality. We plan to return next year in May to make this an annual gathering, bringing golfers from all over Fiji together for a day of fun and competition.” He extended his gratitude to the sponsors, which included Coastal Rentals, River Tubing Navua, Sigatoka Motor Spare Parts, and others, emphasizing their pivotal role in the success of the tournament.
The Naviti Open Pro-Am not only showcased individual talent but also fostered camaraderie among golfers, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport in Fiji. Events like these offer significant opportunities for local players to connect and enhance their skills, setting a positive trajectory for golf in the region. As the golfing community rallies together for such competitions, the future looks bright for this cherished sport.