Young Ireng to represent PNG at Asia Pacific Amateur Championship

Jabez Ireng, in the middle; posing for a picture with his dad, George Ireng (right), and Gary Litz (left) after the presentation *(Image: NBC Owned)*

Young golf sensation, Jabez Ireng will be representing Papua New Guinea at the upcoming Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand, from May 23- 30.

The 15- year- old junior golf champion from the Madang Country Club will depart the country on Friday to participate in the week-long event with junior golfers from 14 other countries in the Asia- Pacific Region.

Jabez was the only junior golfer to be selected last year by the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA and will be representing Papua New Guinea in the championship.

Jabez's father, George Ireng, is a golfer himself and is happy with his son's achievement.

"This is something big for the Madang Country Club and for Madang Province because we've had no other juniors repping Madang in such tournaments. There had been representatives from other centers like Lae and Port Moresby but not Madang.

"This is his first overseas stint, and I am proud of him, and I am also escorting him just in case he gets lost along the way." George said.

Jabez has been playing golf for 8 years, and he is excited, looking forward to the event.

"I am happy to take the trip. I am also thankful to MadFox Pawa for the sponsorship," he said.

MadFox Pawa, a Madang- based company, has come onboard to support Jabez with his official uniform; two sets of polo shirts and caps to wear during the tournament.

MadFox Pawa Director, Gary Litz, said the company is excited to be doing something for junior golf in Madang.

"Since I found out a good friend of mine George Ireng went to play in Port Moresby and his son J Ireng winning the championship there, and is now representing PNG in New Zealand, I reached out to George and told him I wanted to support him and give him some uniform to represent our small company and even Madang.

"We always support our Madang youths in sports, but this is the first time we are supporting golf. We've supported basketball and soccer before.

"To Jabez, I am looking forward to the results, and I wish him all the best," Gary said.

Supporting sponsors besides MadFox Pawa are Sebiten Ltd, SBS Electrical and Noble Kava.