The Jack Akbar Shield 2024 golf tournament commenced at the Fiji Golf Club yesterday, with a total of 64 participants, including fourteen from Australia, taking part in the competition.
Established in 2015 in memory of the late golf enthusiast Jack Akbar, the tournament has consistently grown in popularity each year.
Susan Yee, the secretary of the Fiji Senior Golfers Association, expressed excitement about the increasing number of participants in this year’s event.
Jack Akbar, fondly known as a lover of golf, was born in Suva in 1929. He was involved in various sports activities and later founded Akbar Engineering Ltd in 1974.
Despite facing health challenges, such as diabetes in his early 40s, Jack remained committed to staying active, particularly through playing golf.
In addition to his passion for sports, Jack was actively involved in numerous social and community organizations.
His dedication was recognized with an MBE from the Queen in 1987. The tournament serves as a tribute to Jack’s legacy and contributions to the community.
“The competition, which includes previous winners and newcomers, will feature a stroke event to determine the winner of the Jack Akbar Shield based on the lowest nett score,” said Yee.
“Apart from the main prize, other awards and refreshments will be provided by the sponsor for the participants to enjoy.”
The annual Jack Akbar Shield has become a highly anticipated event on the Seniors Calendar, honoring the memory of a remarkable individual who left a lasting impact on the golfing community in Fiji.
