Chand vows to stage biggest local golfing event

JAPAN-BASED Dinesh Chand has vowed to stage a bigger event on the Fiji Professional Golfers Association Tour once the sporting restrictions and international border restrictions are lifted.

Chand, formerly of Nadi has been sponsoring tournaments in the country since 2018, however, this year’s event had to be shelved because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual Dinesh Chand Invitational Pro-Am at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club course in Nadi has attracted more than 130 golfers with a large contingent travelling from Japan to participate as well.

Apart from holding tournaments at the Denarau course, Chand has hosted tournaments at the Lautoka Golf Club course and also sponsored some junior golfers.

The 2021 Vuksich & Borich Fiji PGA Tour is on hold after four events. Fiji PGA secretary Amitesh Chandra said Chand had promised to sponsor more tournaments when the sporting restrictions and the international borders open.

Chandra said the Fiji PGA would work with Chand to develop the sport further in the country. “Dinesh has been very supportive of golf in Fiji. “He will be coming down with a big group of golfers once the all clear is given.”

At his peak, Chand was ranked 98 on the official world golf ranking and has a career earnings of about $6.5 million on the Japan Tour.