Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge Lae raises K87,000 for Team PNG

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) successfully hosted the Lae leg of the 2026 Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge at the Lae Golf Club on Friday, 19 June 2026. The annual fundraising tournament brought together 30 corporate teams in a four-person Ambrose competition, raising a total of K87,000 in registration and hole-in-one fees to support Team PNG’s campaigns at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. 

First established in 1998, the Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge has grown over more than 27 years into one of Team PNG’s flagship fundraising events. Held under the patronage of successive Prime Ministers, this year’s tournament was supported by Prime Minister the Hon. James Marape and the Office of the Prime Minister, reflecting the longstanding tradition of the nation’s leadership championing Papua New Guinean sports at the highest levels. 

The tournament was organized by the PNGOC, with the golf draw and competition managed by the Lae Golf Club through its club captain. Participating teams each registered at K3,000. Sponsor Ela Motors added excitement to the day with a K50,000 Grand Prize for any player achieving a hole-in-one on the 8th hole, with eligible participants contributing an additional K20 fee. While no hole-in-one was recorded, the prize drew strong interest from competitors throughout the day. 

Speaking at the awards presentation held that evening, PNGOC Senior Vice President Tony Green acknowledged the critical role of corporate partners in enabling PNG athletes to compete internationally. 

“Your participation today does more than support an event—it helps create opportunities for our athletes to stand on the international stage and proudly represent Papua New Guinea. Every team that tees off today helps an athlete take their place tomorrow,” Green said.  

The PNGOC extends its sincere gratitude to all sponsors and partners whose support made the event possible, including The National, Ela Motors, Air Niugini, Theodist, Trophy Haus, SP Brewery, and Paradise Foods, as well as the Lae Golf Club for their generous hospitality. Team PNG athletics athletes were also present as volunteers during the day at the Paradise Foods-sponsored “Oasis” water station, and also assisted with prize presentations on the day. 

The funds raised will help contribute directly to the participation costs of athletes for both the Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympic Games campaigns. The PNGOC looks forward to welcoming corporate partners back for another successful Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge in 2027.