Golf: Fiji bridge too far for weary Geary

Ryan Fox was inspired by the All Blacks to shoot 67 in the final round of the Fiji International. Photo / PGA Australia

Tauranga's Josh Geary walked off the final green at the Fiji International exhausted after his 36th competitive round in 40 days.

"This was my sixth week on the road now," Geary, 30, said. "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.

"After not having had any coaching or doing much practice in the last six weeks, just playing every day, it will be good to have a wee break and re-focus. I have three weeks off now before I play again."

Geary, who has won three times on the China Tour this year, finished in a tie for 15th after he held the first-round lead.

"I played good the first day but didn't hit the ball all that great. The second day it kind of showed a little more and I got punished. I had a really bad start and then played good for most of the round and that eighth hole got me.

"I played one bad shot and ended up making a quad. I hit the ball better the last two days [scoring 74 and 70]."

World No16 Matt 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 Vijay Singh broke David Smail's course record of five-under 67 set last year. Singh fired seven birdies to shoot 65 and share third with Auckland's Ryan 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."

Fox said 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.

"It was brilliant and was set up to be a pretty good day after that performance."

Tauranga-based Mark Brown had a par 72 to finish tied for 31st, with Omokoroa's Kieran Muir in 48th place.

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