Settlement hero, Dingi bags title

 DOTI Dingi rose from being a squatter at Erima, in Port Moresby, to become the 2013 South Pacific Export Lager PNG Open amateur winner.

Dingi, of mixed Chimbu and Morobe parentage, was crowned the amateur winner on Sunday at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Course.

“I was confident I would win again and I did,” he said.

Dingi started out as a caddy for professionals who played in PNG Open tournaments. 

“In 2008, I got randomly picked among caddies to compete in a charity golf competition,” he said.

“I played alongside senior players Sam Tasion and Nick Kuman, who encouraged me to take up the sport. From then on, I started playing in competitions.”

The 26-year-old picked up his form in 2010 when he impressively won the National Golf Amateur Championship title and the amateur’s title at the Morobe Open that year and again in 2012.

He finished on top in the men’s amateur division, beating Morobe Open amateur winner Brian Taikiri.

“I had good scores and I thank the organising committee for preparing such playable pastures that allowed the players to play well,” he said.

Dingi thanked his sponsor, Peddle Thorp Architects, and support sponsor Nick Kuman and QBR for supporting him throughout the tournament.