Spargo keen to tee off

 By HENRY MORABANG

DEFENDING champion Paul Spargo is confident of defending his South Pacific Export Lager Papua New Guinea Open when the Pro-Am competition tees-off on Thursday at the 18-hole Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.

Spargo, who finished seventh at last week’s Morobe Open, yesterday said at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club he was looking forward to playing good golf and hopefully he could come up with good results in the four-day event.

“The chances are good and hopefully ok,” he said with a smile.

The Australian golfer said this was the first time he would defend his title and he would give his best. 

He knows two former PNG Open champions are back to try their luck in the 2013 PNG Open.

Spargo said his winning combination was still there and he would certainly need his caddie, Morris, to help on the course.

He came from five shots behind overnight leader Brett Rankin in last year’s final round to be crowned the South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open Champion.

Spargo finished with a closing round of four under par 68 to finish on nine under for the tournament. 

Overnight leader Rankin finished tied for second with Ian Esson, who chipped in on his final hole to finish one shot behind Spargo.

For Spargo though it was a win he thought may not happen considering a poor start to the final round. 

“Unfortunately I bogeyed my opening hole and when I turned in even par, winning never really crossed my mind,” he said. 

“I made a good birdie on 11 and when I made three birdies in row on 14, 15 and 16, I knew I was in with a chance. 

“I was pretty nervous waiting for the final group to finish, but I can’t describe how good I am feeling at the moment. It’s just amazing.”