Last year’s Samoa Golf Classic runner-up Brad Shilton of New Zealand

By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Acting Prime Minister Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau announced the opening of the SIFA Samoa Open Golf Tournament today at the Orator Hotel. In attendance were distinguished guests from Samoa Golf Incorporated, major sponsors SIFA, PGA Australia Officials and the 2008 Samoa Classic champion Graydon Woolridge.

37 professionals from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa will compete alongside local amateur men and women vying for the SIFA Samoa Open trophy which is played over 54 holes and attracts A$75,000 in prizemoney.

Played around the championship layout of the Le Penina Course, the course will challenge all of the players. Last years winning of score of two over par is a testament to the course which measures over 7000 yards.

Last years runner-up Brad Shilton headlines the field, looking to go one better than last year where he lost to Steven Jeffress in a sudden-death play-off. Also in the field is Brent McCullough who recently finished third in the Thailand Open on the lucrative OneAsia Tour along with 2008 Samoa Classic Champion Graydon Woolridge.

At the launch Woolridge explained “this is my sixth time to Samoa and I am really looking forward to the tournament. I love your country – the food, the people, its fantastic.�?

 â€œ I would also like to thank SIFA for their support of the tournament and hope that the relationship continues and the Samoa Open continues for many years to come.�?

Also in the field is Krishna Singh from Fiji, New Zealand’s Mahal Pearce, a former Asian Tour Player and winner of the 2003 New Zealand Open and Laauli Tui, the only local Samoan professional competing.

Defending Champion Steven Jeffress was a surprise withdrawal from the tournament, pulling out with a neck injury just three days prior to the start of the tournament. Jeffress injured his neck while competing in Japan and the injury has him unable to swing a golf club.

NSW/ACT PGA Tournament Co-ordinator Darryl Purchase explains “it’s a real championship course. If you are not on your game it is very punishing. While it’s long, I think the accurate hitters will be the ones who rise to the top of the leader board�?. 

The tournament is played over 54 holes, with the tournament concluding on Saturday 24 September 2011.

Share This

About the author

Adolf

Related Posts

Wilson holds SIFA Samoa Open lead

Victorian Peter Wilson holds the lead after round one of the 2011 SIFA Samoa Open. Wilson shot a four-under par round of 68 to hold a two shot lead over last years runner-up Brad Shilton (NZ). Wilson began slowly, finding...