Inside Golf, Australia. June 2014 | Page 8

news Richardson claims PNG Open K alem Richardson has won the largest tournament of his young professional career, overcoming a one-shot deficit in the final round to claim the 2014 South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open. Closing with an even-par round of 72 to finish at four-under, Richardson finished one shot ahead of Sam Brazel and Jared Pender. Pender came close to spoiling the party for Richardson, shooting a five-under-par 67, though a bogey five at the par four 17th would prove to be costly in the end. The leaderboard changed throughout the day, though it would be an up-and-down for par from 60m out on the par four 16th hole that would keep Richardson’s momentum going. A regulation par at the 17th and a twoputt par at the last would see Richardson take the top prize. “This is no doubt the biggest win of my career, a win that I have been dreaming about for the past 12 months,” Richardson said. “Patience was certainly the key this week around the Royal Port Moresby Golf Course, a course that can really penalise a poor shot. The timing of this win couldn’t have been better, as I will take the confidence I have gained from my win here into the remainder of the Asian Tour events throughout the year.” With the South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open celebrating its 20th anniversary, Tournament Director Andy Stocks was delighted with the success of this year’s event. “The National Open is a significant event on the sporting calendar and we are once again delighted with the event we have delivered this year. The support that we generate from hosting is nothing short of astonishing, and I am sure all the sponsors and spectators will walk away from this year’s Championship proud of their investment of golf in Papua New Guinea.” The QLD Sunshine Tour forms part of the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises of 200 events Australia and the Pacific Islands. Played across more than 170 golf courses, the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series plays an important part in the development of Australia’s Profes ͥ