Fiji International expand its reach with Asian Tour

POSTED ON February 3, 2017 @ 1:02 pm

Together with the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour, The Asian Tour has signed on as a new tri-sanctioning partner for The Fiji International, , expanding its international reach this year.

A total of 30 members from the Asian Tour will feature in this year’s tournament at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

The link will enable the Fiji International, which was inaugurated in 2014, to widen its live broadcast reach across the Asian region via the Asian Tour’s television platform.

Stephen Ayles, Chief Commercial Officer of the PGA of Australia, which oversees the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, said: “Since 2014 the Fiji International has been a marquee tournament on our schedule and it is a testament to the tournament that it continues to grow and attract the attention of the world.

“The addition of the Asian Tour to the Fiji International will ensure a strong playing field competes in the tournament which has been won by Steven Jeffress, world number 20 Matt Kuchar and world number 28 Brandt Snedeker in its first three editions.

“The Fiji International is becoming a favourite tournament among our players, the tropical destination providing a holiday feel at the world class event. I am sure the Asian Tour players will enjoy it just as much.”

Josh Burack, the Asian Tour’s new Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the Asian Tour and we look forward to having many of our top players take part in the Fiji International. The tournament will be opportunity for our players to showcase their abilities in a new destination.

“Fiji has a reputation as a world-class holiday destination, so I will not be surprised if many of our members bring their families to the Fiji International to sample what the country has to offer.”

Keith Waters, the European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted that the Fiji International returns to the European Tour’s international schedule for the second consecutive year. The tournament will once again provide vital playing opportunities for our members.

“We have a strong relationship with the Asian Tour through our strategic alliance. To have them join us and the PGA Tour of Australasia in tri-sanctioning this event will ensure this year’s edition builds on the success of the 2016 tournament.”