The picture-postcard setting of Natadola Bay turned into a living nightmare for the world-class field in round one of the Fiji International yesterday.
With howling gales and squally showers buffeting the links on the Coral Coast, it became a battle of attrition for the field headed by PGA stars Vijay Singh and Matt Kuchar.
Kieran Muir from Omokoroa Beach was happy with his day's work after he signed for a five-over 77. It could have been even better as he was top of the leader board on even par after nine holes, before the demanding back nine and increasing gusts took their toll.
Muir, one of four Bay of Plenty golfers in the field along with Mark Brown, Josh Geary and Hayden Beard, says the conditions were as tough as he has played in.