NEW Zealand professional golfer Gareth Paddison took out top honours in the Fiji Open Championship held at Denarau Golf and Racquet course yesterday.
After a slow start in the first two days of competition, the Kiwi recorded 23 under par 265 to walk away with the $3,595 prizemoney.
Paddison was stretched to the wire by three of his fellow countrymen in the last two days of competition.
The win was his first for the season.
“The competition was quite good and Iam happy to win my first Fiji Open tournament,” said Paddison.
“This win is a stepping stone to bigger and better things and has set the platform for my future tournaments.
“I came back really well and it was nice to play in a scoreable course.
“Its satisfying to do that.”
His fellow countryman Pieter Zwart who was leading in the first two days of competition claimed the second spot with 18 under par 270.
Another Kiwi golfer Kieran Muir recorded 273 to win the third spot while Fiji’s Sam Lee settled for the fourth spot on 275.
Ga In Ju won the ladies división with a score of 284.
Nick Ming won the Amateur division on 290 ,Ji Yong Soan won mens nett on 282 while Fiji rep Roneel Prakas won the Gross runner up on 292.
