Twenty-four-year-old golfer, Vagi James, who rose from the Junior Golf Club program of the Port Moresby Golf Club is excited to attend his first-ever Pacific Games this November in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Vagi is the youngest of three siblings. Being the first person and only one in the family to pick up a club and play on a national level, as well as international stage, has been a journey of a lifetime for him.
The soft-spoken lad said he was proud that he would represent his family, junior club, and country. He expressed that his elder sister and father were also happy and proud of him. Even though his mother would not be here to see him participate in the tournament, he was sure she would watch him from Heaven.
Vagi started playing Golf in 2011 at the age of 10. His golf journey began while he served as a caddie for one of the presidents of the Port Moresby Golf Club.
Vagi warmly recalled his first taste of Golf.
“I caddied for one of the former presidents and while on one of the breaks, the President told me to take a swing at the ball and try my hands, so I took a club and swung it. I scored a birdie.”
Impressed by his moves, the President told him to join the Golf junior club, which Vagi did and has been with the club ever since.
“After I joined the junior club, I started to slowly build myself from there,” he said.
The Oro-Eastern Highlands lad also stated that this would be his second time out of the country, as he had represented PNG in the 2017 mini–Pacific Games where he finished second, returning home with a Silver Medal. Vagi believes he would be able to do better this time around, as he has built experience and refined his skills over the past years.
Vagi further added that he is eager and ready for the Pacific Games as he had taken part in numerous tournaments around the country this year and in previous years in preparation for the upcoming games. He said there was a good indication that he had performed well as he had been in the top five in every tourney.
Vagi expressed his delight to be among the contingent that would be going to the Pacific Games.
“I’m so happy and excited that I’m part of team PNG golf and I am confident that we will swing hard to win gold.”
Comments