Taikiri stoked with Open effort

PAPUA New Guinea amateur golfer Brian Taikiri completed a memorable SP PNG Open yesterday finishing equal seventh on the leaderboard with an impressive 10 under 278 to be the country’s best performer in the tournament’s history.
The 22-year-old, who started off the tournament equaling the course record of 63 at the Royal Port Moreby Golf Club last Thursday, turned heads by backing up that dream start with commendable performances over the next three days of the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia tournament.
Taikiri was also awarded the PNGPGA trophy for best PNG amateur for his effort and said at the presentation that he felt honoured to have played alongside some of the best professionals in Australia.
“I didn’t expect to get this far at the Open. I’m just happy to have played with all these professionals and learned about the game,” Taikiri said.
“I want to thank all those who helped me get this far and who are helping with my golf. It’s always greast to play at the SP PNG Open and I’m glad I was a part of a great tournament.”
Taikiri’s first round 63 saw him become the first local to equal the course record.
“That (equalling the course record) was something I didn’t expect but I just kept playing my game and enjoyed it as much as possible,” Taikiri said.
Australian professional Chris Taylor set the mark at the 2012 Open and while Taikiri, from Milne Bay, managed to equal the record along with billet and good friend Dale Brandt-Richards on day one, that mark was soon surpassed by SP PNG Open winner Daniel Gale, 21, who shot an impressive 61 on day three to set a new record.
Taikiri, whose scores of 63, 70,70 and 75 ensured he would finish in the top 10, said he was hoping to continue his form and develop his golf and hopefully become a professional at some stage in the future.
Queensland PGA Tour coordinator Justin Maker said Taikiri had proven that PNG players had the talent and temprement to be successful on the tour and only required support to reach their potential.
“Brian has done his country proud,” Maker said.
“He’s shown that there is a lot of talent in PNG and with the right coaching and guidance they can become very good players in the region.”
Maker said Taikiri had started the process to become a professional which would take three years of traineeship through the Australian PGA.
“Brian has started the process and is keen on becoming a pro. We’ve just had to sort out a visas issue and once we do that and get some good corporate support he will be able to start the programme.”