Golfing body mourns Peni

PAPUA New Guinea’s golfing fraternity is mourning the loss of the country’s first professional golfer, August Peni, who passed away at his home in Port Moresby recently.
Papua New Guinea Golf Association president Peter Del Monte expressed his sadness upon receiving news of Peni’s sudden passing.
He said the sport had lost an icon who had always put his heart into the game he loved so much and had dedicated his life to.
“August was an exemplary representative for PNG golf, on and off the course, and was held with respect as PNG’s first professional golfer,” Del Monte said.
“He excelled as an amateur and PNG champion, and went on to represent the country with distinction overseas at events such as the Putra Cup, Ratu Mara Cup, South Pacific and Mini Pacific Games.
“He left an indelible mark on the game as a player and course superintendent.”
Representative golfers Brian Taikiri and Cassie Koma were shocked by the news following the completion of their Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship campaign in Dubai.
They paid their respects in a simple but meaningful gesture of lowering their caps to their hearts in honour of their mentor and peer.
The pair carded +17 and +18 respectively in their opening two rounds at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club course, but were unable to make the cut at even par to qualify for the final 36 holes.
Taikiri said from Dubai that Peni was an inspiration to them and his sudden passing came as a great loss.
“Gus set a great example for us as we came through the junior ranks and he always had the time to give us advice and tips from his experiences,” he said.
“It is hard to believe that he is gone.”
For those who knew him and were fortunate to receive his professional tutelage, Peni was a well-liked figure on the PNG golfing circuit.
Educationist Bruce Mackinlay had a long association with Peni spanning back to the late 1970s, when as a youngster Peni was his caddy in Rabaul and would participate in junior golf competitions.
Mackinlay fondly recalled a lanky young boy with a big drive and huge talent which didn’t take long to be recognised by local club officials and national selectors as Peni rose to the top in the PNG rankings as his natural talent paved the way for international representation.
Having worn many hats as a golfing administrator with more than 50 years of active involvement, Mackinlay also helped Peni to turn professional after he won individual and team golf medals in the 1991 South Pacific Games, alongside Simon Waiya, David Yere and the late Kundi Umba.
Mackinlay described Peni as a lovely person who had a great sense of humour.
When asked how best he would describe Peni’s life and career, he said Peni was a “champion golfer, champion man”.