The Jack Akbar Shield 2024 golf tournament kicked off at the Fiji Golf Club yesterday, featuring 64 competitors, including 14 from Australia.
Launched in 2015 to honor the late golf enthusiast Jack Akbar, the tournament has seen a consistent increase in participants over the years.
Susan Yee, secretary of the Fiji Senior Golfers Association, shared her enthusiasm for this year’s growing turnout.
Jack Akbar, who was born in Suva in 1929, was passionate about golf and involved in various sports. In 1974, he founded Akbar Engineering Ltd. Despite health issues like diabetes in his early 40s, he stayed dedicated to an active lifestyle, especially through golf.
Beyond his sports interests, Akbar was engaged in multiple social and community organizations. His contributions were acknowledged when he received an MBE from the Queen in 1987. The tournament is a tribute to his legacy and his impact on the community.
Yee noted, “The competition, featuring both past winners and newcomers, will consist of a stroke event to crown the winner of the Jack Akbar Shield based on the lowest nett score.” She also mentioned that participants will enjoy other awards and refreshments provided by the sponsor.
The annual Jack Akbar Shield has become a much-anticipated event on the Seniors Calendar, celebrating the memory of an individual who significantly influenced the golfing scene in Fiji.