AUSTRALIAN golfer Jason Norris received the biggest pay cheque of his career after lifting the 2017 Fiji International title at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course yesterday.
The 44-year-old who nearly quit the sport a couple of years ago, finished strongly after trailing overnight leader and fellow Australian Wade Ormsby.
Norris started the final round with a birdie which set the platform to post five under par 67 finishing the tournament with 14 under par 274.
He won the event four shots clear of Jazz Janewattananond, David McKenzie and James Marchesani all of whom scored 278.
For the victory Norris earned $380,000.
Norris, who turned professional in 1996, said he had a good day on the course.
“Not surprising, I felt good all day,” he said.
“To hole a good putt birdie on the first hole settled things in. I just stuck to one shot at a time and I putted really well.
“I think after the tee shot at the 18th I felt comfortable. It is such a good course. It is pretty rare to see no wind out here. It has taken me 21 years to get a win like this.”
With the win, Norris gets to play another season on the Asian and European Tour.
“I thank the Fiji Government without whose support this tournament wouldn’t happen,” he said.
“I have the Asian Tour and the European Tour for another year.
“I said to a mate couple of years ago when I was about to quit the game that I don’t want to give the game away until I win a big tournament. This win means a lot to me.
“I think it was my week as the putts dropped and some good shots came.”
Star attraction Vijay Singh finished tied for 41st position together with two-time major winner Angel Cabrera from Argentina. Both players earned $13,200.
Another marquee player Mike Weir from Canada finished tied for 35th position.
Natadola professional Sam Lee collected $10,400 for finishing tied for 47th position.
Leader board:
-14 Jason Norris; -10 Jazz Janewattananond, David McKenzie, James Marchesani; -9 Adam Bland, Daniel Pearce, Peter Wilson, Wade Ormsby; -8 Jarryd Felton, Gareth Paddison, Scott Vincent; -7 Mark Brown, Aron Price, Jake McLeod, Phachara, Khongwatmai.
