Champ returns to compete

NEW Zealand-based former national golf rep Anuresh Chandra is back home and would be competing at the 52nd Fiji Golf Open Championship beginning tomorrow at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club (DGRC).

The champion golfer, who is making a return to the competition after a lapse of seven years, is aware of the huge challenge ahead of him.

Chandra, is one of the top favourites in the amateur category alongside Abid Hussein.

“Fiji Golf Open is always the pinnacle tournament of Fiji and every golfer competes to win it,” he said.

Chandra who plays at the Weedons Country Golf Club in Christchurch, New Zealand said there was always huge pressure to come and perform in Fiji.

“There is stiff competition from the local boys plus a massive change in temperature when playing in New Zealand and Fiji, however, these are not excuses on why I should not give my best.

“I hope to just play my game and keep it short and simple.” He said there were other good players at the three-day tournament, however, he believed he has ample experience to get the job done.

“I last played Fiji Open in 2015, however, I have been to Fiji often but I have been competing in Nadi Open, Lautoka Open.

“My preparation coming towards this tournament was pretty good, however, it is a totally different ball game in comparison to Fiji and New Zealand.

“We play winter golf which is quite heavy with the club selection totally different to what used in Fiji.”

Chandra has previously also won the Fiji Amateur Championship, Nadi Open, Fiji Golf club open, Vatukoula open, Lautoka Open and a host of other national golf titles.

He also created history by winning the prestigious Ba Open Golf Championship seven years in a row from 2005-2011.