Senior claims Open and K40,000

PETER Senior pocketed K40,000 (A$16,300) and the Jacob Luke Memorial Trophy as the champion of the PNG Senior Open at the Lae Golf Club on Saturday.
Senior’s 8-under (205) was comfortably ahead of Christopher Taylor, who shot a final round 67 to finish 3-under, and Brad Burns, who carded the same total (210) for equal second spot.
It was the first time for a Senior PGA Open to be held in Papua New Guinea and a great opportunity for Lae to host a major event after going three years without a professional golf tournament due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Senior told The National that the first two days of the event were difficult because of the heat but the 63-year-old got his second wind at the start of the final day to shoot a 68 after an opening round of 68 3-under and second day 69 at the par 71 course.
“Things were difficult this week but the course was great and is good as other courses and I am very happy to be here. The tournament was great and looking forward to coming up again next year,” Senior said.
Club president Phil Hommelhoff said the club decided to name the PNG Senior Open trophy after prominent local businessman and avid golfer Jacob Luke who passed away in July.
“Late Luke was a great supporter and major sponsor of the club and we miss him dearly. We thought we’d honour his memory by having the trophy named after him,” he said.
“The tournament was fantastic.
“It’s the best tournament we’ve had in many years.”