Tomasi Tuivuna claimed the professional title at the Naviti Open Pro-Am held on Saturday at the Naviti Resort course, organized by Golf Fiji and the Fiji PGA. This vibrant event saw the participation of over 42 players competing on the unique all-par-3, nine-hole layout. Professionals competed for a total prize pool of $4,300, while the amateurs vied for over $3,000 in prizes.
Tuivuna finished strong in the professional division, recording an impressive score of 60, which earned him a prize of $850. Waisake Vati followed closely, securing second place with a score of 61 and taking home $650. In the amateur division, Rohit Chandra emerged as the champion with a score of 67, while Mohd Nawaz was recognized as the best net winner with a score of 62. Soni Matthews shone in the ladies’ category with the best gross score of 77, and Susie Yee excelled as the best net performer.
Amitesh Chandra, president of Golf Fiji, expressed his excitement about the event’s turnout and thanked the sponsors for their essential support. “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 noted. He acknowledged the contributions of sponsors including Coastal Rentals, River Tubing Navua, and Sigatoka Motor Spare Parts, highlighting their critical role in the tournament’s success.
The Naviti Open Pro-Am not only showcased remarkable individual talent but also promoted a sense of community among golfers, reflecting the increasing popularity of the sport in Fiji. Such events create valuable opportunities for local players to connect and improve their skills, contributing to a promising future for golf in the region. With the golfing community coming together for such enjoyable competitions, the outlook for the sport remains positive and encouraging.