THE National Golf Association of Fiji is strategically developing new ideas to help the sport reach much greater heights in the country.

NGAF president Ofakilomaloma Swann said golfers in Fiji had much potential if they started early in their careers.

“It’s amazing to see the number of local golfers taking part in major events in the country,” Swann said.

“There are so many talents out there that needed to be identified and tapped into.

“We have a dedicated coach in Graeme Bell who is a qualified coach and its through him that we will be laying out our foundation for our development programs.”

Swann highlighted the association would be going around the country to look for aspiring golfers.

” Bell is currently scouting for potential golfers right through the country and in four years time we will have a young pool of golfers in both men’s and women’s category which will represent the country at the future Pacific games and overseas events for sure,” highlighted Swann.

“This is already underway through the assistance of PGA Australia and we are making pathways into schools and some of the villagers around the Natadola golf course for now.

“We will be also working with the various golf clubs around the country organising workshops.”

The association from next year will have one Fiji Golf Open tournament for both men and women’s competition.

“Next year we will have only one tournament with both genders taking part. Fiji is a small country so it’s no use having two individual events. With one tournament being held this would promote gender balance and avoid discrimination,” Swann said.

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=309204