PNG takes PM's golf title in Fiji

ByRashneel Kumar

Fiji Times

PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) won the Pearl Prime Minister's Golf Challenge 2012 Four Men Team Progressive Ambrose event at the Pearl Resort Golf Course in Deuba on Saturday.

Led by their Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, the PNG side defeated their Fijian counterpart by five strokes.
Fiji skippered by the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau had some top local golfers but they failed to overcome a strong 40 teams PNG side to win the inaugural tournament.
Tournament co-ordinator Iliasa Labaibure was thrilled with the level of competition between the teams from both countries.
He said good weather and perfect greens contributed to the success of the tournament.
"The competition was really good. We got to see some good golf today (yesterday) and the participants really enjoyed the day," Labaibure said.
Labaibure said the successful inaugural tournament had set a good platform for the event next year.
He said the challenge was on Fiji to snatch the title from PNG next year.
"This was the first year for this tournament and we expect and bigger and better event next year."
The Fijian team had the likes of former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Minister for Sport Viliame Naupoto, Sir Jim Ah Koy, Ratu Isoa Gavidi, Ratu Tu'uakitau Cokanauto and Sir Timoci Tuivaga, to name a few.