Golfers celebrate successful Samoa Open

By Aruna Lolani 03 July 2017, 12:00AM

All is well that ends well.

And after four days of glorious golf in beautiful Samoa, professionals, amateurs and supporters of the 2017 Invest Samoa Golf Open celebrated sweet success at the Faleata Golf Course on Saturday night.

None happier than defending champion Peter Wilson who managed to retain his title.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi was present to congratulate the winners – especially Wilson.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the champion said the win did not come easy.

“It was hard work today, I was leading everyday and to try to win two tournaments in a row, back to back is quite hard,” he said.

“I feel quite tired actually and I’m ready to go home.”

But golf was not the only thing on Wilson’s mind.

“This year after each round, I took some of the new pros here and showed them around the island because I’ve been here, nine or ten times now,” he said. 

“I’ve showed them all the sights so hopefully they bring more people back next year and enjoy the country.

“The people here are so friendly. I’ve travelled a lot all around the world but I think Samoa’s the friendliest people of a nation that I’ve been to and I just really enjoy coming here and just relaxing.”

And yes you guessed it, he is returning to defend his title with a secret weapon.

“I’m going to bring my family back next June.”

Wilson wasn’t the only one who has enjoyed his time here in Samoa though.

Burns was equally excited. 

“We love playing golf and we love coming back to Samoa,” he said.

“I’ve met so many lovely people here in the last couple of days.

“We have been so blessed with you people here. It’s just fantastic. All the plays in the field, I tell you what, you’ve got a great golf course out there and we hope to come back here.

“I had a tremendous time and I will recommend this place to everyone I talk to in the future.”

Ladbrokes Legends Tour Coordinator, Andy Rogers, said the tournament had been a great success, enjoyed both professionals and amateurs.

 “It’s great to see golf continuing to develop in Samoa and I’m sure the work of the S.G.I. Development Programme will provide many more players into the future.

“To Invest Samoa, who has now been the event’s major sponsor for a decade, we sincerely thank you for your investment in golf and hope you continue to see Samoa golf as avenue for you to drive awareness of your business.” 

The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio acknowledged everyone who has been part of the event, making everything possible especially giving our overseas friends a memorable time.

The 2017 Samoa Open started on Wednesday with Pro-Am.

 

2017 Invest Samoa Open Prize List:

 

Day 3:

National Amateur Championships:

Gross

1: Pulou Faaaliga 

2: Timoteo Samau

3: Van Wright

 

Non Championships & Seniors: 

 

Gross

1: Corey Keil

2: Mike Kapisi

3: Iulai Lesa

 

Nett

1: Tom Vitale

2: Iulai Lesa

3: Mike Kapisi

 

Overall 3 Days:

National Amateur Champ: Pulou Faaaliga

2nd place: Timoteo Samau

3rd place: Robert Faaaliga 

 

Non Championship & Seniors:

 

Gross

1: Corey Keil

2: Patrick Fepuleai

3: Mike Kapisi

 

Nett

1: Tom Vitale

2: Iulai Lesa

3: Pili Faaaliga

By Aruna Lolani 03 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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