Singh moves golfers Record field expected in 2022 Lautoka Open
ONE of Fiji's annual golf tournaments, which helped in the success of former world No.1 Vijay Singh, is heading for a full house on November 26, at the Lautoka golf links.
Lautoka Golf Club president Chong Lee said the legacy left behind by Singh continued to inspire local and overseas golfers to compete in the annual event.
“History will once again be created at the Lautoka Golf Club with the staging of the 91st Shop N Save-sponsored Lautoka Open golf championship on Saturday, November 26,” Lee said.
“This prestigious national event will be an 18 holes stroke Pro-Am championship,” Lee said.
“It is expected to attract a top class field of Golf Fiji-affiliated club members, overseas golfers and the cream of Fiji's top professional players.
“Golfers compete to play in the Lautoka Open. Interests are flowing in.
“Most golfers say they play with pride and confidence on our course because Vijay Singh once played here.
“That rich history drove them to work hard in improving their knowledge and playing skills.
“He left behind a legacy that almost every weekend, we welcome new golfers, especially young people wanting to take up the sport. They want to be like him.”
Singh stamped his authority with his back-to-back wins in 1981 and 1982 in the event before hitting the international scene to later become the world champion.
Weathygorilla.com, a website that motivates and inspires people, reported that the big Fijian won 34 events on the PGA Tour, three major championships, a Masters title and two PGA Championships.
The former Fijian caddy was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 and was the leading PGA Tour money winner in 2003, 2004, and 2008.
As of the beginning of this month, Singh's net worth is estimated at about $US75 million ($FJ171.32m).
Club president Chong Lee said the legacy set by Singh 40 years ago on one of Fiji's oldest and scenic golf links continued to challenge local golfers.
“For this Lautoka Open, we are receiving interests from locals and overseas golfers. Even some of our own living overseas. We are expecting another record number of entries of over 100 golfers. We are heading for an competitive and full house turnout.”
Club chairman of Trustees Raymond Singh said the event would be complemented with the magnitude of the sponsorship and lucrative prizes in place for participants.
“There will be more than 30 prizes for amateurs and a lucrative cash prize purse of $5000 for professionals which is inclusive of the sponsor's Tee-shirt and a hearty lovo lunch,” Singh said.
“On the other hand, Neeshil, Babu and family members Sanjay Prasad and Anil Prasad who are passionate members of our club, will make sure that our junior development program continues into its fifth consecutive year to hopefully produce another Vijay Singh in the future.”
Players interested to compete can contact Lee on telephone 9924522, Amitesh Chandra - 9904250, Roneel Prakash - 9293148, or Raymond Singh on 9027480.