Fijian amateur golfer Apenisa Koroicure is hoping some inside knowledge will work to his advantage in his debut appearance at the Fiji International.
The newcomer was one of four local players to earn their place at a qualifying tournament in Denarau back in June, when he rolled in a par putt on the final hole to secure the last remaining berth.
Koroicure is one of seven Fijian players in the field and spent many a round at Natadola Bay after three years working at the resort as a concierge and in park operations.
"As a Fijian, I would like to be the first Fijian to qualify for the Fiji International to make the cut".
The eighth hole at Natadola Bay is among 15 that have been redesigned. Photo: PGA of Australia
15 of the 18 holes have been re-designed since last year's tournament but Apenisa Koroicure believed the changes are a good thing and could lead to lower scores.
"The new greens will be much easier than the ones before - that's how i look at the course at the moment," he said.
"From the greens before it's much easier because they have levelled it so before it was more a slope and a lot of breeze too on the greens but now (it's easier)".
Apenisa Koroicure tees off in the final grouping of the first round, alongside Thailand's Sutijet Kooratanapisan and New Zealander Harry Bateman, shortly after midday local time.
Looking towards the green on the eighth hole. Photo: PGA of Australia
