“SPB’S SOUTH PACIFIC EXPORT, NEW SPONSOR OF PNG GOLF OPEN

SP Brewery is now the official sponsor of the PNG Golf Open after announcing its K185,000 sponsorship at the SP Brewery Brewkettle last night.

“Under our South Pacific Export Lager brand, the double-gold winner at the Monde Selection in both Brussels and Barcelona, I am pleased to commit K185,000 in cash to the PNG Golf Open Committee for the 2008 South Pacific Export PNG Golf Open, ”announced the company General Manager Mr Stan Joyce.

Mr Joyce said that over the company’s 55 years of operation, SP Brewery has supported many sports, recently the SP Cup – the premier rugby league competition in PNG, the Export Rugby Sevens, Cricket, Team PNG to Samoa, not forgetting the SP Sports Awards which was launched last week.

“This year, SP Brewery is proud to have formed a great partnership with the sport of golf in PNG, in particular the PNG Golf Open,” said Mr Joyce.

The PNG Golf Open is PNG’s leading golf event and attracts many leading professional and amateur golfers from not only from PNG but those from abroad as well.

“I am sure these funds will go a long way in ensuring the 13 year old event continues to develop and also continue to maintain its prestigious status,” said SPB GM.

In receiving the K185,000 cheque, President of PNG Golf Association Mr Stan Walker said that his Executive is very appreciated of SPB’s sponsorship.

“Since its commencement in 1994 the Papua New Guinea Open has grown from strength to strength with the aid of a wonderful group of sponsors and now for 2008 this golden event is being sponsored by the gold medal winning South Pacific Export brand by South Pacific Brewery with a new record level of sponsorship. The Executive of the PNG Golf Association and the Port Moresby Golf Club really appreciate the commitment to the sport that SPB have made for 2008,” said Mr Walker.

Tournament Director Mr Ken Dunn also acknowledged the Brewery’s support saying: “Over the past few years the PNG Open has attracted reputable professional golfers from both Australia and New Zealand.

With SP Brewery coming on board as the naming rights sponsor, the prize money for the event will be increased to AUD$80,000 in 2008 – up AUD$8,000 on the total purse this year.

“As the Tournament Director I am extremely excited about next year’s event and I have no doubt that the increase in prize money and the involvement of SP Brewery will see the South Pacific Export PNG Open as the most successful to date,” said Mr Dunn.

“The fact that we now have a 3 year sponsorship, will ensure that the ensuing years will result in the event being one of the larger professional golf tournaments in the South Pacific region and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Papua New Guinea to the sporting world in general. I sincerely thank our new naming rights sponsor for their involvement.”

Mr Dunn said the tournament is scheduled for 8th May 2008 through to 11th May 2008 and is expected to attract up to 50 professional golfers.

For any queries regarding this Media Release, contact SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Department on Tel: 302 8255 or email: gorethy.semi@sp.com.pg or PNG Golf Association.