Chonburi: The Thai men’s and women’s golf teams made a historic achievement by sweeping all four gold medals at the SEA Games for the first time in a decade.
According to Thai News Agency, this remarkable feat was accomplished with the support of many, particularly the president of the Golf Association of Thailand, who played a crucial role in this success.
On the final day of the golf events at Siam Country Club, Rolling Hills, Chonburi, “FIFA” Pongsapak Laophakdee, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship champion, secured the gold medal by shooting 2 under par, totaling 21 under par over four days. Minh Nguyen Anh from Vietnam claimed the silver medal with 10 under par, while “Anfield” Parin Sarasamut took home the bronze with 8 under par.
Additionally, Pongsapak, together with “Anfield” Parin Sarasamut, “Win” Thanawin Lee, and “Ono” Warut Boonrod, clinched another gold medal in the men’s team event with an impressive score of 33 under par over four days. They finished 20 strokes ahead of Indonesia and Vietnam, who received the bronze medal.
Despite feeling nervous on the final day, Pongsapak Laophakdee, also known as “FIFA,” expressed satisfaction with his performance. He acknowledged the teamwork of all players and extended his gratitude to everyone for their support, especially to Mr. Rangsarit Laksitanon, President of the Golf Association of Thailand, for his unwavering support.
In the women’s individual event, Prim Prachnakorn delivered a bogey-free 6 under par, overcoming a two-stroke deficit on the final day to win the gold medal with a score of 9 under par. She finished six strokes ahead of leader Kritchanya Kaopattanasakul (“Natch”). Pimphisa Rabrong (“Fai”) finished third, but due to SEA Games rules, a single nation could not secure all three medals, resulting in the bronze medal going to An Le Truc from Vietnam with 5 over par.
Moreover, Prim Prachnakorn, Pimphisa Rabrong, and Kritchanya Kaopattanasakul teamed up to score 10 under par, winning the gold medal with a total score of 18 under par in the women’s team event. Singapore took the silver medal and Indonesia the bronze.
Following their title defense, the Thai women’s golf team expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support from all, particularly acknowledging the steadfast support of the golf association’s president.
The Thai golf team’s performance at this SEA Games resulted in a haul of 4 gold medals, 1 silver medal, and 1 bronze medal. This achievement marks the first time in 10 years that the Thai golf team has claimed all four gold medals since the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore.