The PNG Open 2025 Golf tournament is currently on with an array of contingent of professional golfers here in Port Moresby city for the challenge. The PNG Open 2025 teed off yesterday, Thursday 14th August at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club where Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the largest-ever contingent of professional golfers to compete in Papua New Guinea, declaring the 2025 PNG Open a milestone moment for both the sport and the country’s international profile. Prime Minister Marape said the four-day event — part of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia— brought together over 120 professional golfers from across four continents, surpassing previous records and cementing PNG’s status as a hub for major international sporting events. “For the first time, we have gone past 100 professional golfers competing in our country — 120 in total — including seven female professionals who will join our top women golfers in a separate event this weekend,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Sport sells our country’s image to the world, and this tournament shows that PNG can successfully host athletes from all corners of the globe.” The field includes competitors from the United States, Spain, Korea, Japan, Fiji, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond, marking a truly global contest. Spain is represented for the first time, while the United States has sent more than 10 players from various states. The Prime Minister highlighted that the event coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, making it a showcase not only for golf but also for the country’s culture, hospitality, and potential as a safe and attractive destination. “This is a step in the right direction. We want the world to know that PNG can embrace and host international sport at the highest level,” he said. Prime Minister Marape, Patron of the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, extended his gratitude to the PNG Golf Association and the PGA Tour of Australasia for their long-standing partnership, and especially to naming rights sponsor Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited (KMHL). PNG Golf Association President, Ian Hodge, said the tournament’s growth was a testament to years of planning and dedication. He emphasized that the addition of the women’s competition — featuring seven professionals from Australia and eight of PNG’s best female golfers — was a deliberate move to promote gender equality and inclusion in the sport, while reinforcing PNG’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors. Tournament Director Graeme Scott of the PGA Tour of Australasia praised the warm reception given to players and noted the high caliber of competition this year. “This is my fifth visit to PNG for the Open, and the field just keeps getting stronger,” he said. “Players who may never have heard of PNG are now promoting it to the world through their own channels. The inclusion of the women’s event also aligns perfectly with our push to grow women’s golf in our region.” The 2025 PNG Open will run until Sunday 17th August.