WHEN the final putt dropped at the 44th Senior Open Golf Tournament on Thursday, the significance of the week stretched beyond the names on the winners’ list.
For Fiji’s senior golfers, the tournament was a reminder that competition does not have to end with age.
The Fiji Senior Golf Association’s annual Open concluded on Thursday after three days of play, bringing together 45 golfers, including players in their 70s and 80s. About 15 competitors were aged over 70.
Tournament director Susie Yee said the continued participation of senior golfers was one of the most important aspects of the competition.
Many of the players are still working, while others have only recently entered the senior ranks after turning 55. Yet they continue to make time for the game, returning to the course not only to compete but to remain connected to a community built around golf.
“We try and make it a fun tournament also. We don’t want to be too serious,” Yee said.
That attitude is reflected in the atmosphere around the tournament.
Players joke about forgetting their scores or making mistakes, turning the inevitable imperfections of the game into part of the experience.But there is still plenty to play for.
Sharon Smith claimed the women’s title with a gross score of 281 over three days, while Roy Ugra emerged as the men’s champion with a gross score of 249. Last year’s winner Robert Lee finished runner-up.
Yee said the emergence of new winners, particularly among golfers entering the senior category, has become a feature of the annual tournament.
Meanwhile, another tournament is scheduled next Sunday, followed by competitions at Pacific Harbour and Natadola next month.
