Teen Yao wins last local golf tournament

National rep Tom Yao, 18, shot an even par 72, to claim his first major title at the Natadola Open 2022 last Saturday.

A total of 75 amateurs and 16 professionals braved the west heat to compete in the final golf competition of 2022.

Yao is no stranger to our shores as he represented Fiji at the recent Mini Pacific Games and has competed in the USA as well.

“I have been training and this is my major tournament win, it is good start, it was quite windy but I held up well,” Yao said.

Born in Suva in 2004, Yao has been playing golf since he was four-year-old; in 2018 his parents sent him to play at the Hills International College and played for Redcliffe in Brisbane.

“I have been overseas the last five years, at one time I have not been home in three years. Thinking back now it is worth it,” he said.

Furthermore, Wayne Downs shot 64 to claim the overall net.

In the A grade division Kavitesh Prasad shot 67, second spot was Michael Broadbridge (72), and Christopher Stan (74) on count back (c/b). In the B-grade division winner was Ashrat Kafrudin 73, Anand Madhawan 74 (c/B), and PJ Singh 74. Cgrade winner was Australian Don Mattison who 68, Gailesh Narayan 69, and Imran Khan 70.

Local top women golfer, Bella Cho shot two over par 74 to claim the ladies’ category.

Pacific Harbour’s Seini Lewai shot 71 to claim overall nett, and Sue Madison won on 73 count back from Lyndall Fisher.

In the professional division, Tomasi Tuivuna shot one under par 71 in style.

Denarau’s Viliame Sauturaga and Ba lawyer Vikrant shot 77 to share second spot.

Other prizes: nearest to the pin 4th men Mark Wright, 7th ladies Sue Madisson, 13th ladies Loata Maria, 15th men’s Tom Yao,

Longest drive men’s - Shakil Pillay, ladies - Bella Cho.