FORMER greenkeeper Gaffar Ali took out the pre-season opening tournament sponsored by Automation Industrial Supplies Limited at the Lautoka Golf Club yesterday.
Ali played on a handicap of eight carded 33 nett to win the stroke event at the Golf Links course.
He finished ahead of favourite Suren Pillay who scored 36 nett.
LGC secretary Salen Kumar was third with 38 nett. Vijay Krishna was in fourth place with 39 nett while Asish Kumar finished in fifth spot with 40 nett.
Peter Narayan walked away with the beginner's prize after scoring 42 nett.
Anthony John making a comeback at the LGC took out one of the nearest to the pin prizes. Asish bagged the other NTP prize.
Mohammed Sharif hit the longest.
LGC secretary and Foster Group employee Salen said a total of 30 golfers attended the competition.
He said the number had increased from the previous events.
Salen said some excellent results were recorded in the tournament.
"Fine weather was enjoyed by the golfers," Salen said.
"The course was in good condition, however, some of the golfers returning after a long break were a bit rusty. There was close rivalry among the top seeds," Salend said.
"Certainly Gaffar with his superior course knowledge outsmarted the other golfers to take top honours. We would like to thank Vinod Kumar of AIS Limited for his support."
"The opening season competition will most probably be played next month.
"The aim is to give the golfers enough practice before we head into serious business as our season has drastically been affected by the two floods this year," he said.
Another sponsored event will be held at the LGC next Saturday.