Cook Islands News profiles another athlete who will be representing the country in golf for the Pacific Mini Games, which will get underway on June 17.

Rotana Howard

Age – 30

Islands and village – Rakahanga (dad)/Aitutaki (mum)

What future goals/ambitions do you have in the sport? To one day be able to share my domestic and international experiences with all upcoming junior golfers and help them travel and achieve any golfing goals they have. 

What ambitions do you have outside of sports (career, education, etc)? Develop and expand knowledge of the industry I currently work in through study.  

What do you love about your sport? It is individual-focused in a way that it is challenging mentally and physically. You need to be able to do things on your own and learn to adjust to different weather and course conditions.

What events and competitions have you competed in/what are notable achievements?
2022 – Rarotonga Strokeplay Champ
2021/2019 – Shootout Champ
2021/20/19/ - Raro Open Champ
2020 – Aitutaki Open Champ
2017 – Pacific Mini Games Silver Medallist (Vanuatu)
2015 – South Pacific Games Team Bronze Medallist (PNG)

What pushed you to compete at the international level? My dad and family have always encouraged my brother and I to take our talent as far as we can.

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Kris Williamson

Age – 31

Islands and village – Aitutaki, Rakahanga, Mauke, Mangaia, Rarotonga

What future goals/ambitions you have in the sport? My goal hasn’t changed and that is to performing and compete at our highest level in golf whether it is a Club Day, Open Day, representing at the Pacific Games and Amateurs Golf Championships.

What ambitions you have outside of sports (career, education, etc)? Right now, I work as an IT Technician. It’s a great way to keep up with our modern technology.

What you love about your sport? Actually, I participate in a lot of other sports which keeps me active, sports include Touch Rugby, Mix Netball, Golf and recently had an interest in Lawn Bowls. But for the sport (Golf) I would be competing and there is something about the way you strike the golf ball and you’re able to pull off great shots, the feel you get after it is why I love it and can’t get enough of. It is very addictive!

What events and competitions have you competed in/ achievements?

2009 Mini Games for High Jump

2015 Pacific Games for Touch Rugby Bronze Medal

2017 Asia Amateur Golf Championship New Zealand

2017 Mini Games for Golf

2018 Asia Amateur Golf Championship Singapore 

2019 Pacific Games for Golf

What pushed you to compete at international level?

To compete at the highest level with other Pacific Nations, and might give me more motivation to compete with the rest of the world.