West Australian takes top honours in PNG Open

BY iseekgolf.com | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2003 PNG Open | Wrap | 08 Jul 2003

West Australian Dean A. Alaban, fired an even par 72 on Sunday to finish on -8 (280) in the $45,000 PNG Open at the Port Moresby Golf Club on Sunday. The shot and the score was enough to earn Alban the top honors in the prestigious annual event.

The feat was possible because of a sizzling -5 (67) on the second day of the tournament, along with rounds of 70 and 71 on the first and third day.

The 28-year-old Alaban, on his first trip to Papua New Guinea, finished seven strokes ahead of two Queenslanders, Luke Arnott and Shannon Beck to take home the top prize money of A$8,100.

Sharing fourth spot were Eddie Barr, Ken Druce and Mark A. Jackson.

39 golfers from Australia, one New Zealander and three PNG professionals took part in the four-day event at the Port Moresby Golf Club.

Alaban said he felt great about winning the PNG Open and would be back to defend the title next year. The West Australian began playing when he was 12 years old and it was a dream come true for him to win.

“The weather was no problem until the last two days,” he said.
“It was a little bit windy and I found it hard,” he said.

Alaban said he had some good shots at the 8th and 9th hole during the fours days that enabled him to win. Last year’s runner-up Christopher J. Taylor shared the 13th position with four others.

The three Papua New Guineans pros – August Peni (33rd), David Yere (34th) and Lucas Bimbo (40th) – also collected some prize money for their efforts.

The Australia professionals who contested the event were impressed with the PNG hospitality.

Many said they would come again, to what the Port Moresby Golf Club hopes will be a bigger and better event next year.

Source – PNG National (Peku Pilimbo)