Sport: Local amateur ties course record at PNG Golf Open

7:38 am on 27 April 2018

Papua New Guinea amateur Brian Taikiri equalled the course record of 9-under par to claim a share of the lead after the first round of the Papua New Guinea Golf Open.

A member of Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, Taikiri has never previously made the cut at his home event.

Papua New Guinea golfer Brian Taikiri.

Papua New Guinea golfer Brian Taikiri. Photo: PGA of Australia

He picked up nine birdies in a bogey-free round to finish level with New South Welshman Dale Brandt-Richards, who also completed a blemish-free 63.

"I didn't expect this to be honest," Taikiri admitted.

"I just went out and played my own game, this being my home course I knew what the course record was but I don't normally shoot this in a normal Saturday competition.

"That's the best score I've ever had on any course, but scoring that on my home course I'm privileged and honoured to have done that.

"I finished with those four birdies in a row so I'm very happy with that, four birdies on the front nine and five under on the back."

Australian golfer Dale Brandt-Richards.

Australian golfer Dale Brandt-Richards. Photo: PGA of Australia

Brandt-Richards, who has played every PNG Open since it became part of the PGA Tour of Australasia, also had some local knowledge at his disposal.

"This is my third trip over here so I know what to expect and today I had my caddie Morris who's been on the bag every year in PNG," he said.

"So he came in and read a couple putts for me just to double check my reads. He's on a handicap so I trust his judgment and a few went in."

Alex Edge is a shot off the lead in third place at eight under par, with Scott Arnold at six under and seven players tied for fifth place at four under the card.

PNG Open competitors are vying for a prize purse of $AU145,000, with the winner to receive Official World Golf Ranking Points and become fully exempt on to the PGA Tour of Australasia until the end of 2019.