After leading a major revamp of the Natadola Bay course, local favourite Vijay Singh says it's time for him to finally deliver at the Fiji International golf tournament.
Involved in the original design, Singh helped to redesign 15 of the 18 holes and says he wanted the course to be more playable for hotel guests but at the same time challenging enough for pros to go out and be tested.
Vijay Singh gets in some practice holes at Natadola Bay. Photo: PGA of Australia
He helped to redesign 15 of the 18 holes following last year's event and after finishing tied for 10th, 3rd and 21st place in the past three years, the 54 year old is determined to give the home supporters something to cheer for.
"I think they're all waiting for me to play some good golf here, I've come close to playing good golf here," he said.
"It's nice to come here and see old friends and most of the guys here I haven't seen for a long time.
"It's going to be good, I'm looking forward to this year, they say the weather is going to be good, it's going to be sunny and hopefully not so windy so I can play well".
Vijay Singh tees off during the 2016 Fiji International. Photo: Fiji International
The three time major winner finished in a share of 14th place at the Canadian Open last month - his best result of 2017 - and said it would mean a lot to win on Fijian soil.
"It would be great, especially after the re-design, I'm really happy with the work we've done and I just want to go out and play it the way I know how and take my mind away from so many distractions that go on here at home," he said.
"I think I can do that, just focus a little bit harder".
Vijay Singh is hoping it's fourth time lucky at the 2017 Fiji International. Photo: PGA of Australia
Singh is one of three major winners in the field this week, alongside fellow Masters Champions; Angel Cabrera and Mike Weir, and said the tournament is building stature amongst some of the world's best players.
"I was surprised to see Angel here - he's a really good player - and also Mike," he said.
"It's nice to see them here and people can actually see Angel play who's won the Masters, won the U.S. Open and Mike, so people can go out and see these guys can still play.
"And then you've got some good players from Asia and Europe as well, this is one of the stronger fields we've had so hopefully we can build from here in years to come".
Singh tees off at 7.15am local time alongside Dimitiros Papadatos and Ryan Fox.
Fiji golfer Vijay Singh Photo: PGA of Australia
