1809fiji

TOUR INSIDER

In a place

Called

Paradise

Image Courtesy of Asia Tour

Calvin Koh recalls what a week it turned out to be in the 2018 Fiji International, a place called Paradise.

Pros teeing off against the backdrop of one of the most scenic venues in the world 60

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B With his last name, India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar was hugely popular with the galleries 62

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ula! It was a Fijian greeting that welcomed me whenever I went at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways.

Over the last decade on t he A sia n Tour, I had t he privilege of travelling the length and breadth of the world. From the majestic Swiss Alps in Switzerland to the tranquilly of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, my latest voyage took me to the South Pacific where the wonders of Fiji awaited.

For a country known to embrace a sport passionately like rugby, the sporting narrative could possibly be shared with golf as the Fiji International made its return to the beautiful Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

The live television coverage of the event took Fiji to the four corners of the globe, and it helped that former world number ones and Major winners such as Ernie Els and Vijay Singh were the faces of the tournament this year too.

If beauty had a face, Fiji would be one.

Teeing off against the backdrop of one of the most scenic venues in the world, I, along the rest of the professionals were mesmerised by the captivating beauty of the Coral Coast.

With some of the most unique hospitality

options in the world of golf, the Par-3 8th hole also provided the perfect vantage point to watch the golf, whilst socialising on the beach.

Now, it’s also not difficult to know why Fiji is home to the happiest people on earth.

They enjoy breathtaking natural beauty, great outdoor lifestyles and an abundant of unique cultures.

Outside the sanctuary of my room, the palm tree fringed islands, pristine clear blue waters and unspoiled beaches provided that therapeutic relief away from the daily hustle and bustle of city life which I’ve been so used to.

The writing was also on the wall for India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar to win the Fiji International. With his last name, the Indian was hugely popular with the galleries who showed up to watch and acquaint themselves with golf.

Bhullar’s maiden trip to Fiji ended with him taking home the Fiji International trophy and priceless memories of his week-long stay in Fiji.

While I could not lay my hands on the prized trophy, like Bhullar, I also took home memories of Fiji that would stay in the recesses of my mind for a very long time.

Calvin Koh heads the press operations and media partnerships for the Asian Tour.

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