Coastal Rentals Nadi Airport Golf Open draws big field as it heads to final round
The Coastal Rentals Nadi Airport Golf Open at Nadi Airport Golf Club opened with strong attendance and set the table for a competitive three-day affair. The event, which began with a juniors’ competition on Friday, continues today as players vie for overall honours.
Organiser and Nadi Airport Golf Club secretary Heather Atu said the tournament attracted more than 100 golfers this year, marking one of the strongest fields in recent memory. The nine-hole course is played in two lots, a format that has helped keep the competition tight and enjoyable for players of all levels. “We host this event annually and this time we have over 100 starters. The course is a nine-hole layout, but we play it in two lots, and the competition has been very good,” Atu noted. She added that players came from Suva, Natadola, Denarau, Lautoka, and Ba, with the event balancing competition across the divisions to ensure fairness.
Backed by co-sponsors Swire Shipping and Fiji Link, the tournament also received hospitality support off the greens. Bakels Fiji contributed finger foods, lunch, and desserts to keep competitors energized throughout the rounds.
The final round is scheduled for today, with winners to be crowned in the afternoon. The event’s atmosphere has been boosted by the sense of community fostered among participants, a hallmark echoed by similar gatherings around Fiji’s golfing calendar.
Context and outlook from Fiji’s golf scene
– Fiji’s golf clubs have been growing their events, with the Fiji Golf Club in Vatuwaqa recently hosting a weekly Stableford tournament that drew around 70 players across ages, supported by Mali Pest Control. The event highlighted camaraderie and social engagement after play, and it is part of a broader calendar that includes the East vs West tournament and ongoing youth participation.
– The rising involvement of junior players and the emphasis on mentorship and community are common threads across Fiji’s golf clubs, suggesting a positive trajectory for the sport’s development across the country.
Summary
The Nadi Airport Golf Open showcases robust participation and organizational support, reinforcing Fiji’s growing golf culture. With strong local sponsorship, a welcoming tournament format, and a growing cadre of young players, the event points to a bright future for golf in Fiji.
Outlook
As Fiji’s golf community continues to expand, more clubs are expected to host mid- to long-format events that attract diverse fields. The combination of competitive play, sponsor support, and youth involvement suggests a healthy, sustainable path for the sport in the region. Positive on-course results, community engagement, and continued sponsorship growth will likely fuel even larger fields and more regional participation in the years ahead.
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