Golf

Wally Ilake, representing Royal Port Moresby Gold Club was crowned the PNG National Amateur Golf Championship winner following a stunning display at the course in the four-day event, 29 March to 1st April. 

Ilake claimed the title in A-grade division, outmuscling almost 50 all-rounder contestants who flew in from other member-association clubs such as Mosa in Kimbe (WNB), Ramu (Madang), Bulolo (Morobe), Eastern Highlands and hosts Mt. Hagen.

It was the DPM’s first time to swing a golf club to officially open the range after the second day of the PNG Senior Open tournament.

After getting a few pointers from one of the Australian professionals, Rosso opened the driving range with a hit, followed by Lae Golf Club president, Phil Hommelhoff.

The opening paved the way for four of the pro golfers to compete for the K5,000 ‘longest straightest drive’.

Hommelhoff said the range has become a reality after being proposed three years ago.

The weeklong rain ended yesterday, giving some golfers the chance to complete round two – which was halted on Saturday due to the heavy downpour – and continue to round three.

West Australian, Brendan Chant, was leading the pack after round two, with Taylor holding on in third place with 1-under.

Taylor then matched Lucien Tinkler with a 4-under 67 to complete 54 holes in 5-under par.

The tournament, to be hosted at the Lae Golf Club from September 1st-3rd, anticipates the participation of over 40 professional and amateur golfers.

Today, a cheque of K50,000 was presented to the Lae Golf Club president, Phil Hommelhoff, to renew Trukai’s gold sponsorship of the event. 

Marketing manager for Trukai Industries, Maryanne Tom, said as a national title, the PNG Senior Open sits alongside the PNG Open as one of the two premiere events in the PNG golf calendar.

Held at the Ralum Country Club in Kokopo from 21-23 July, this major regional sporting event attracted  100 amateur and professional golfers from throughout Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Winning the A Grade 3 Day Gross and ENBO Men’s champion is Winchton Yakapus (pictured).

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd managing director, Wapu Sonkk said KPHL is happy to contribute to making this annual event a success.

New Caledonia and American Samoa teams are taking part at Fagalii Golf Course, Apia, with the Samoan squad also competing as its final trial before selections are made for the Games.

The Samoa Open, played over three days, sees professional and seniors compete for a total of AUD$95,000 in prize money. It is also a test event for the Pacific Games.

With ten days before the Games open, David Barker, the technical delegate for Golf, said the course has already improved in the past week, with more regular mowing to make for faster greens.

Jordan Spieth found some success with a tie.

The most unpredictable tournament in golf began Wednesday (Thursday NZ time) with only a few surprises as only four of the top 16 seeds in group play failed to win their opening match at Austin Country Club.

Woods, a three-time winner of this World Golf Championships, had not played since losing in the opening round in 2013. He had a wild time with Aaron Wise until putting him away on the 17th hole.

"The way we were playing today, we're very thankful it's not stroke-play," Woods said with a laugh.

The 14-times major winner took a three shot lead into today's final round and carded a one over par 67 to finish on 11 under for the tournament and seal a two stroke victory over compatriot Billy Horschel.

It's 42-year-old Wood's 80th PGA Tour victory and first since 2013.

The victory moves him to second on the all-time PGA winners list behind Sam Snead (82).

Woods spent 10 months on the sidelines last year while recovering from spinal fusion surgery and only started to make full golf swings in mid-October.

For Jordan he moves one spot comfortably up from his initial results on Thursday where he held onto to second spot.

Becker is a different story, having climbed 21 spots on the progressive results from Thursday showing his determination to make it into the top spots.

On second place is Queenslander Taylor MacDonald (-13) who was on 13th place on Friday – improved up 11 places. New South Wales Benjamin Clementson, Joshua Munn of New Zealand and Thursday’s 40th placed New South Wales man Daniel Gale (-12) hold onto third placing together.

Defending champion Chris Wood is among the golfers and is vying to retain his title.

The 5-day tournament, which started yesterday, is one of the richest in the Oceania region with pro golfers from Australia, South Korea, Fiji and PNG participating.

18-year-old Australian Junior Male Golfer Brad Doherty is enthusiastic of the competition and stated he is privileged to participate among some of the best professional golfers in the region.

Fellow junior female PNG golfer Danaë Clamp too is one of the few females participating in the event as well.