Mijts Blog

Golf is my ‘new’ sport obsession.

After playing hockey for almost 45 years I had to give it up just over a year ago due to knee problems. When I learned that we would be living close to a golf course in PNG, I bought a set of clubs, had a few lessons in Brisbane (only time for 4 lessons – not enough!) and ‘took up golf’! Whilst I am not very good at it, I really enjoy the game and have improved. A par is rare and the two birdies that I have managed brought great joy – but difficult to repeat! I also enjoy playing with friends when I am back in Brisbane (had to buy another set of clubs for that!)

We have two golf courses here – one right by our house (our house is half the yellow house, second from the corner and behind the big mango tree – taken from the 7th fairway!) I usually play there with another lady on Wednesdays. The other course is about a one hour drive away and we often go there on a Sunday. Nick has a hit then too – although he would much rather go diving.

I played with Anne this morning and it was so humid that I was just soaked with perspiration the whole time – when first here, I struggled with the heat and humidity but cope better these days.

Our caddies are young children who live in shacks by the golf course – they caddy 9 holes for K5 (about$2 AUD) and a soft drink.

We also have a flag boy (who is more often a girl!) who runs ahead at each hole to place a stick ( with a plastic bag on it – or a tree branch with leaves) on the green.

Our caddies puddle through the water and mud to find our balls.

On this day we ‘lost’ our caddies – only to find them all up a tree eating guava.

The locals treat the golf course as a place to relax in the shade, have a bite to eat etc – even on the approach to the green. We just call out and they wave and watch the ball!

This photo shows the view from the course (not taken today – the volcano is very quiet at the moment!).

Hope you have enjoyed my little golf story – requested by Stephen!