Seko aims to stay on top in women’s golf

 By KYMLIE KARANI

NATIONAL women’s amateur golf champion Kristine Seko is keen to add the 2013 PNG Open to her achievements.

Seko, 28, was crowned the 2013 women’s national amateur champion after besting a field of 15 other golfers.

“I wasn’t really expecting it. I remember in the final round I realised I was leading by six shots,” she said. 

“I had the best shots in that round. It was a good feeling,” Seko said on Tuesday at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club during the SP Export PNG Golf Open meet and greet function.

“The last time I played was in 2009. I had to take some time off to concentrate on school. 

“I was working at that point so I travelled a lot. But it’s great coming back this year,” she said.

Seko missed the recent Morobe Open but the SP Export PNG Open would be a huge challenge.

“The PNG Golf Open is such a big event where international pro golfers and our very own PNG golfers compete. 

“The female amateurs division comprises of such good golfers like defending champion Sophia Cragnolini, 2013 Morobe Open winner Margaret Lavaki and there are some top golfers from Lae so it’s going to be tough.

“I’ll just need to be consistent. Put myself in the right position where I can go further,” Seko said.

Seko was raised in Madang by parents who loved playing golf.

“We used to live right next to the golf course. Mum and dad used to spend most of their time there. I think that was how I ended up playing the game.” 

Seko’s mother, Sagilam, is a former women’s national champion who won titles in 1990, 1991 and 2000. “She was an inspiration. She has been great support, to follow her footsteps is a lifetime experience.” 

Seko is sponsored by Stella magazine. She said they supported her with new clubs, a new set of wedges and a set of uniforms.

“Stella magazine is a women’s magazine and I am truly grateful as they’ve come on board to help promote women’s golf and female golfers in the country,” Seko said.

Stella publisher, Amanda Donigi said her magazine was proud to be associated with Seko in this year’s tournament.