JUNIOR golfer and Tilak High School Year 9 student Alex Qiokata last weekend benefited from taking-up golf as an eight-year-old.
He won the Fresher Fine Ltd-sponsored 18 holes Individual stroke event at the Lautoka golf course on Saturday.
Qiokata nailed an impressive nett 65 for his first victory.
Lautoka Golf Club vice-captain Suren Pillay was crowned the winner of the A-grade on 68.
Veteran Anil Kumar finished second on 69 followed by Chandar Shekar on 70.
It was a tit for tat battle in the B-grade with Dr. Vimal Murthi and Pritam Singh both recording 66 to be separated on a countback in favour of Dr Vimal Murthi.
Daven Mudaliar finished third on 70.
Former Fiji Airways Captain Bill Gardiner won the C-grade title on 66.
Wiliki Takiveikata made his return at the golf links to finish second on 68 while Asish Kumar finished third on 70.
Nearest to pin awards on the second hole went to Suren Pillay and Raymond Singh on the ninth. Tevita Drauniniu hit the longest drive on the third hole.
Singh thanked sponsor Fresher Fine Limited and its director Pastor Karan Singh for supporting the club.
“LGC is encouraging students to show interest in golf as the club will provide free coaching lessons to develop potential golfers,” Singh said.
“This tournament has shown keen interest among a number of students who, for the first time, hit a golf ball.”
Other results: Gaffar Ali, Lawrence Naidu , Prem Chand, – 71. Arvin Pillay, Abdul Jalal, Bobby Reddy – 72. Vikash Chand , Manwal Kumar, Asish Kumar – 73. Raymond Singh , Tevita Drauninu, Anthony John – 74. Meanwhile, the Tesla Products 18 holes Constitution Day stroke event will be staged on Friday. Tee-off – 9.30am – 10.30am. Contact – Gaffar Ali – 9789235.
