Defending champion James Gordon began the 2025 Sheraton Golf Classic with an impressive performance, shooting a remarkable 62 in the opening round held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort. As he leads the leaderboard in the professional category, Zachary Maxwell follows closely with a score of 64, while Steve Vail is in third place with 65. James Pender and Guy Wall are tied for fourth with scores of 67, and Mark Boulton rounds out the top five with 68.
Gordon’s outstanding play also propelled his team to an early lead in the Teams Stableford category, where they scored a cumulative 105 points. Jamie Aitkinson’s team is just three points behind at 102, with George Kent and Zachary Maxwell’s team in third place at 96 points. In the Teams Gross category, Gordon’s team leads with a total score of 131, closely pursued by Maxwell’s team at 134, and Aitkinson and Abid Hussein’s team at 137.
Tournament coordinator Browyn Russel expressed satisfaction with the event’s success, noting the great participation and excitement among players. “We obviously have a full field, which it seems like we have every year. Everybody loves coming back to Fiji, playing between the two golf courses is a big bonus, and the courses are in great shape,” she stated.
The warm weather in Fiji has been a delightful experience for many competitors traveling from colder regions like New Zealand and Australia, and the tournament has maintained a high return rate of participants. With 80 to 90 percent of players returning each year, Russell emphasized that the atmosphere and enjoyment of the tournament keep them coming back.
As the Sheraton Golf Classic continues today, players are eager to maintain their momentum heading into the second day of competition.
This year’s event not only showcases exceptional golfing talent but also strengthens the community’s connection to the sport, further solidifying Fiji as a premier destination for international golf events. With its picturesque backdrop and the camaraderie of players, the Sheraton Golf Classic offers a promising outlook for the future of golf in Fiji.
Leave a comment