16 Aug 2017

Sport: Major winners say combating wind key at Fiji International

12:53 pm on 16 August 2017

Two former Masters champions say combating the wind will be a crucial to success at the Fiji International golf tournament, which tees off on Thursday.

Argentina's Angel Cabrera and Canada's Mike Weir are among three major winners in the field at Natadola Bay, alongside local hero Vijay Singh.

Angel Cabrera tests out the 16th hole at Natadola Bay.

Angel Cabrera tests out the 16th hole at Natadola Bay. Photo: PGA of Australia

Both have had a chance to get out on the redesigned course for some practice rounds and the 47 year old Cabrera said he felt at home in the blustery Pacific conditions.

"Well I've actually played a lot in Europe and in Argentina it's also windy so I've played there for a long time, I like playing in the wind, so I don't think it's going to be a problem if it blows," he said.

Mike Weir said his daughter played a big part in his decision to play Natadola Bay, with Fiji on her bucket list of travel destinations.

Mike Weir is one of three major winners at the Fiji International.

Mike Weir is one of three major winners at the Fiji International. Photo: PGA of Australia

He was also quick to praise the course redesign by friend and fellow Masters winner Vijay Singh.

"It gives you lots of room with the wind because the wind is such a factor and I think they've done a nice job planning for strategy around conditions," said the Canadian.

"That's what a good designer does and the mark of a good golf course play to what the conditions lay out there for you, they've done a nice job with that".

"I hear it blows quite a bit here and that will make the course difficult. Today without wind, you could shoot a good score but I think with the wind it'll be quite challenging," Weir concluded.

Mike Weir gets in some practice on the 18th hole, with the clubhouse in the distance.

Mike Weir gets in some practice on the 18th hole, with the clubhouse in the distance. Photo: PGA of Australia