Kalem Richardson has won the largest tournament of his young professional career, overcoming a one-shot deficit in the final round to claim the 2014 South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open.
Closing with an even-par round of 72 to finish at four-under, Richardson finished one shot ahead of Sam Brazel and Jared Pender. Pender came close to spoiling the party for Richardson, shooting a five-under-par 67, though a bogey five at the par four 17th would prove to be costly in the end.
The leaderboard changed throughout the day, though it would be an up-and-down for par from 60m out on the par four 16th hole that would keep Richardson’s momentum going. A regulation par at the 17th and a two-putt par at the last would see Richardson take the top prize.
“This is no doubt the biggest win of my career, a win that I have been dreaming about for the past 12 months,” Richardson said.
“Patience was certainly the key this week around the Royal Port Moresby Golf Course, a course that can really penalise a poor shot. The timing of this win couldn’t have been better, as I will take the confidence I have gained from my win here into the remainder of the Asian Tour events throughout the year.”
With the South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open celebrating its 20th anniversary, Tournament Director Andy Stocks was delighted with the success of this year’s event.
“The National Open is a significant event on the sporting calendar and we are once again delighted with the event we have delivered this year. The support that we generate from hosting is nothing short of astonishing, and I am sure all the sponsors and spectators will walk away from this year’s Championship proud of their investment of golf in Papua New Guinea.”
The QLD Sunshine Tour forms part of the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises of 200 events Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Played across more than 170 golf courses, the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series plays an important part in the development of Australia’s Professional Golfers whilst also growing the game at a grass roots level by engaging an estimated 48,000 amateur golfers each year.
For a list of all the QLD Sunshine Tour events on the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series please visit www.pga.org.au.
Australia's Golf News Leader, Inside Golf gives you in-depth coverage of Australian golf news, golf events, golf travel and holiday destinations, Australian and international golf course reviews, the hottest new golf gear and tips and drills to improve your golf game. Written by award-winning journalists, Inside Golf also features interviews with Australia's top professional golfers, the game's rising stars, industry leaders and golf equipment manufacturers. You can even win great golf prizes and equipment. It’s all in Inside Golf. FREE at Australian golf courses, driving ranges and golf retailers across Australia. 
