Defending champion James Gordon made a strong statement in the opening round of the 2025 Sheraton Golf Classic at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort yesterday.
The Australian golfer fired an impressive 62 to top the leaderboard in the professional category. Hot on his heels is Zachary Maxwell with a score of 64, followed by Steve Vail (65). James Pender and Guy Wall are tied in fourth place with 67, while Mark Boulton rounds out the top five with 68.
Gordon also led his team to an early lead in the Teams Stableford, scoring a combined 105 points. Jamie Aitkinson’s team sits close behind with 102, while George Kent and Zachary Maxwell’s team is in third place with 96 points.
In the Teams Gross category, Gordon’s team continues to lead with a total score of 131. Maxwell’s team trails by three strokes at 134, while Aitkinson and Abid Hussein’s team is in third place with 137.
Tournament coordinator Browyn Russel said she was pleased with the turnout and energy this year.
“Defending champion James Gordon had a good start.
“We obviously have a full field, which it seems like we have every year. Everybody loves coming back to Fiji playing between the two golf courses is a big bonus, and the courses are in great shape. Sheraton has put on a great show so far,” Russel said.
Russel added that the warm weather in Fiji is a welcome escape for many players coming from colder climates in New Zealand and Australia.
“Overall, we’ve probably got 80 to 90 percent of returning players this year, which shows how much they enjoy playing here and the whole atmosphere. You just can’t beat coming to Fiji,” she said.
The tournament continues today, with players looking to maintain momentum ahead of Day two of the Sheraton Golf Classic.
