Golf: Kuchar claims Fiji title amid fierce competition

Matt Kuchar won the Fiji International at Natadola Bay. Photo / Getty

A new course record set by Vijay Singh and a scintillating final round from Ryan Fox was not enough to stop Matt Kuchar winning the Fiji International at Natadola Bay yesterday.

With the wind dropping for the first time all week, the talented field took full toll of the benign conditions to finish the co-sanctioned OneAsia and PGA Tour of Australasia event in a blaze of red numbers.

World number 16 Kuchar never looked like being caught, shooting his second consecutive 69 to win by four shots from Australian Aron Price. Kuchar turned three under the card to end any hopes the others may have had of catching him down the straight.

Three-time major winner and course co-designer Singh broke David Smail's course record of five-under 67 set last year. Singh fired seven birdies in a vintage display to shoot 65 and finish third equal with Fox and Australian Nick Cullen.

Fox pushed Singh all the way before signing for a 67 to finish five shots behind Kuchar.

"It was definitely a lot more pleasant out there today," Fox said. "Obviously I played really, really well and got it going on the back nine with five birdies in six holes. I had a couple of unplayables today so it could have been one of those rounds."

Fox says he and playing partner Brad Shilton were inspired by watching the All Blacks, co-coached by his father Grant, thrash France just before they teed off.

"Just say Brad and I were fairly happy on the first tee. It was brilliant and was set up to be a pretty good day after that performance."

Shilton had a fine tournament, birdying the last two holes in style for a 71 to move up to sixth equal and pocket a sizeable cheque.

Tauranga's Josh Geary, who had temporary hold on the top spot after day one, finished tied for 15th after his 36th round of golf in 40 days following his successful run on the China Tour.

"This was my sixth week on the road now," Geary said. "I am actually pretty tired and I got here and my body clock was a bit out. It is tough when you get to a course that just demands all of your mental strength and you are almost zapped in a way."

Mark Brown had an even par 72 to finish 31st equal while Kieran Muir's round was ruined by a triple bogey as he ended up tied for 48th.

*Peter travelled to Fiji thanks to Fiji Airways and PGA Australia.