130 golfers for Lautoka Open
The GEOTECH Drilling/Islands Electric 86th Lautoka Open this Saturday has already attracted 130 golfers. The Lautoka Golf Club is the only club in Fiji that have staged the event consecutively over 86 years since the course opened in 1931.
The number of entries has prompted club chairman of trustees Raymond Singh to issue a warning that late entries will not be entertained.
Of the confirmed entries, 15 top women golfers from around the country will take part with over 50 prizes up for grabs.
“I’m overwhelmed with the number of entries and I’m still getting calls,” Singh said.
This Saturday will also see the crowing of a new champion as last year’s winner, Pranil Prasad of Nadi Airport Golf Club, is on holiday in Dubai.
The stroke event would be played over 27 holes with some big names in Fiji battling it for top spot.
Olaf Allen Jr will lead the charge from the Fiji Golf Club which will include Isei Waqa and Vijay K Singh. National rep Merelita McCarthy will lead the charge from Suva with team comprise Kelera Watling and Mereani and Ufemia Naisara.
Former Nadi Open champion Bobby Reddy will lead Nadi’s attack which includes Zabir Ali, Ashish Kumar, Neil Naro and Tevita Drauniniu.
Last week’s Lautoka season opening C grade winner, Alex Qiokata, 13, will be fighting to the finish alongside Denarau Golf and Racquet Club’s Korean youngsters Ji Eun Lee and Ga In Gu.
Nadi women golfers, Sulu Brooks, Ravesi Konrote, Amy Subam, Laura Cunning, Ciri Taylor, Selina Snellvrove and Sai Lee were expected to provide strong opposition in the ladies division.
Pacific Harbour’s James Pridgeon and William Dandford, according to Singh, would be two golfers who will be in it all the way.
Meanwhile, Singh said the recent rain has put the fairways and greens in immaculate condition and good scores are expected.