‘The Italian Job’ win challenge
New Zealand’s ‘The Italian Job’ won the 2016 Sheraton Villa Teams Golf Challenge at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club on Saturday. The team of Margot Lupton, Ross Pratt, Carl Mitchell and Betty Tocker carded 871 points. Team AC (Trish Corbett, Jack Allan, Marilyn Cross and Steve Cross) finished in second spot with 847 points, 10 shots ahead of The Fore Amigo’s team of Julie Gee, Trish McBride, Max Allen and Debbie Adgo. The best-placed Australian team was Divot Dodgers consisted of Wayne Raison, Valerie Stevens, Marina Davies and Derek Larsen in 4th place. The Sheraton Fiji Villa Teams Golf Challenge combines the points of all four team members over four rounds, in a modified ‘stableford’ scoring system that adjusts handicaps after each round. PaR nz Golfing Holidays director Denise Langdon said this year’s Villa Challenge turned out to be a ‘war of determination’ due to the heavy rain earlier in the week, 72 holes were played over three days, instead of spread over four, with a break in-between. “There were 124 players from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji entered, a record turnout, representing 48 clubs,” Langdon said.
“An estimated $630, 000 (excluding airfares) was contributed to the local economy by the visitors. Many also brought donations and clothing for the Reef for Life Charity, supporting those Fijian families affected by the Cyclone Winston floods earlier in the year.” The Sheraton Group comprising of the Sheraton Fiji, Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, Sheraton Villas and Westin Hotel have been the naming sponsor for many years.
The tournament was supported by Victoria Wines, Taylor-Made Adidas, Pure Fiji, Sheridan and TOMTOM Watches, and Jacks of Fiji restaurants. The 2017 tournament opening and registration will be held in September.
The Sheraton Fiji Villa Teams Golf Challenge combines the points of all four team members over four rounds, in a modified ‘stableford’ scoring system that adjusts handicaps after each round.