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PNG Open Golf gets eighth BAT backing
By HENRY MORABANG
BRITISH American Tobacco (BAT) yesterday renewed its sponsorship
package with the premier and professionally-run 2007 PNG Open Golf
tournament - for the eighth consecutive years.
In a low-key ceremony, BAT human resources manager Reuben Aila
presented K70,000 for naming rights to Port Moresby Golf Club
member Ken Dunn at the Port Moresby Golf Club house.
Aila said BAT was pleased to be associated with the 2007 PNG Open
Golf tournament, and again as major sponsor of this prestigious
event.
“We believe that PNG Open has not only lifted the standard of
professional golf in the country but has promoted this tournament
as an international platform to see some of the best golfers in
the region and country.
“Our appreciation goes to all other support and minor sponsors of
this event and we are confident that the 2007 BAT PNG Open will be
bigger, and we look forward to an exciting and enjoyable
tournament this year,” he said.
Mr Dunn thanked BAT, saying that support and the prizemoney
exceeded the PNG Open Gold organising committee’s expectation.
He extended his appreciation to other sponsors who had already
indicated their support for the premier golfing event.
With generosity of the sponsors, they were able to offer a prize
purse of A$60,000 plus a daily cash prize of A$2,000. This is a
total of A$68,000, so far the largest purse ever offered for the
PNG Open Golf tournament.
He said they were expecting at least 30 professional golfers from
Australia and New Zealand, and three PNG professionals.
Qld Tournament coordinator Broc Greenhalgh said the PNG Open was
one of the highlights of the Queensland Sunshine Tour with the
rare opportunity of capturing a national title.
He said that BAT had been a terrific supporter of this PGA, in
particular the PNG Open, and had given many professionals the
opportunity to hone their skills while taking their game to a new
level. Greenhalgh said that previous winners of the BAT PNG Open
like Eddie Barr, Chris Downes, Troy Kennedy and last year’s winner
Pat Giles have all now made their marks on the international
scene.
“Without BAT and the Port Moresby Golf Club's commitment to the
tournament this may never have been possible,” he said.
 
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