India’s Bhullar Claims Fiji International
Indian golfer and eight-time Asian Tour champion Gangajeet Bhullar acknowledged two major factors that contributed to his victory at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course yesterday.
Singh said he received some important advice from his idol and Fiji’s most prolific golfer Vijay Singh and his caddy, Taitusi Tuivuci. Bhullar scooped AUD$197,931.50 for his efforts and probably came by way of an eagle on the 17th hole when he was a shot behind leader Anthony Quayle, who finished on 13 under. He finished one shot ahead, thanks to that eagle and a birdie on the 18th hole.
The champion said he ran into Singh at the post dinner.
“He basically told me a really wise word.
“He said, “Son, you’re ready to win this tournament, just be aggressive, give 100 per cent and the golfing gods are going to be on your side.”
As for Tuivuci, Bhullar said he was great.
“I asked him probably seven or eight lines this week and he was spot on. I think he was definitely a helping hand on my play for this victory.”
This was Bhullar’s first time in Fiji and because of his surname, he was probably the most popular among the locals.
“This is the first time I’m here in Fiji and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it, great hospitality, great people.”
“Ever since I landed here, I think I mentioned this in my interview after day two and day three, I’ve been turning my neck all around the place.” “Everybody Bhullar, Bhullar (bula, bula.)
“I think it’s a great feeling. Special thanks to all the fans, they all supported me this week. There was a big group of Indian families following me, especially on the back nine and the roar on the 17th really charged me up.
“I think this week was something really special and I could definitely feel it, a victory coming my way.”
“Lately I’ve been playing really well, been giving myself a lot of good finishes and I think the momentum was getting ready to win like this.” As for his battle on the back nine with Quayle, Bhullar said it could have been anybody’s tournament. “Ernie (Els) was right up there, Anthony played really, really well. Nine under on this golf course in this condition, that is something really good.”
He said New Zealander Ben Campbell, the overnight leader after round three was right up there to the finish.
“I think it was just maybe golfing gods were on my side this week and my back nine was really, really strong.
“I was struggling on my Sunday back nine, but I’m really proud of myself.”