POM golf club revels in royal patronage
The National, Monday 08th April, 2013
By KYMLIE KARANI
THE Port Moresby Golf Club, established in 1930, has been officially renamed the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.
In a memorable ceremony last Friday were Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who has been patron of club since 1975.
The club had its royal status approved by Queen Elizabeth II on October 29, 2012, – 82 years after its birth.
“Today, we bring to our shores another royal sporting and recreational club, the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club which is another great milestone we have achieved in PNG golf history and which was gracefully blessed by Queen Elizabeth.” Sir Michael Ogio said.
Past club president David Toua highlighted the spirit that had been carried on by founders to the current administrators who had contributed significantly towards attaining the royal status.
Toua commended president Stanley Walker for maintaining transparency and good governance in contributing to the milestone for golf in PNG.
Club captain Darren Stocks said one of the goals to achieving the royal status was to ensure ground safety for the club and its members and players. He said being recognised with a royal decree would attract international events, including the 2015 Pacific Games golf competition.
The club unveiled a plaque engraved with its history and the new Royal Port Moresby Golf Club flag.
The Royal Port Moresby Golf Club joins 62 other Commonwealth clubs that have the royal title.