Kingdom's golfers target another massive haul

Kingdom's golfers target another massive haul

Pressure will be on teenage prodigy Atthaya to spark a successful campaign, writes Kittipong Thongsombat

Atthaya Thitikul, centre, poses with teammates Kan Bunnabodi, left, and Kulthida Pramphun ahead of the Asian Games.
Atthaya Thitikul, centre, poses with teammates Kan Bunnabodi, left, and Kulthida Pramphun ahead of the Asian Games.

Thailand first tasted success in the Asian Games golf battles in a startling fashion at Incheon 2014 where the women's team were crowned champions and the men's squad finished third.

They also took home a silver and a bronze in the women's individual competition.

Four years on, Thailand Golf Association president Rangsrid Luxitanond is targeting a more glittering performance from his players at the 2018 Asian Games, which officially get underway on Saturday in Indonesia.

"I am confident that we will win at least two gold medals in the team events," he said.

"It could be three as we may claim both gold medals in the women's competition. Our big threat could be the Philippines, who will be reportedly using their US-based players.

"For the men's contest, Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan are strong, while India could be a surprise package."

The Thai men's players, from left, Kosuke Hamamoto, Wichayanont Chotehiranrungroeng, Wanchai Luangnitikul and Sadom Kaewkanchana.

Thailand's male players are 2017 SEA Games champions Kosuke Hamamoto, Sadom Kaewkanchana, Wanchai Luangnitikul and Wichayanont Chotehiranrungroeng.

The women's team members are Atthaya Thitikul, Kan Bunnabodi and Kulthida Pramphun.

Although all the Thai medallists at the 2014 Asian Games have now turned professionals, Rangsrid is upbeat about his players' chances of meeting the two-gold target in Indonesia.

Teenage prodigy Atthaya, arguably the best female amateur in the world at the moment, is tipped to shine in Jakarta.

The 15-year-old took the low amateur honours at two major championships this year -- the ANA Inspiration and Women's British Open.

She earned spots at both events thanks to her victory at the inaugural Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific in Singapore in February.

Last year, at the age of 14 years, four months and 19 days, she won the Ladies European Thailand Championship in Pattaya to become the youngest ever player to win at a professional event.

A few weeks later, she captured two gold medals at the SEA Games.

"My confidence has been boosted by my performance at the Women's British Open. I have been training with professionals. I will try to help the team retain their title but won't put extra pressure on myself," Atthaya said.

"We are almost 100 percent ready now. We will give our all to bring home gold medals."

Kan said that the toughest opponents would be the Philippines.

On the men's side, Sadom and Kosuke were members of the four-man squad that won the 28th edition of the Asia-Pacific Golf Team Championship in Malaysia earlier this year.

Thailand Golf Association president Rangsrid Luxitanond, centre, with his players and officials. photo: credit

The success ended Thailand's 54-year wait for gold medal at the tough competition featuring the likes of the USA, Japan, Australia and South Korea.

A few weeks ago, Sadom also won the Dutch Junior Open.

Japanese-Thai Kosuke, who beat European Tour player Nicolas Colsaerts to win the Singha Classic on the All Thailand Golf Tour in 2015, believes that the men's team are strong enough to vie for the title in Indonesia.

"We believe that we can beat any team at the Asian Games," he said. "We will try to win the gold medals for all Thais."

TGA coach Sanit Hensirisakul said the greens at the competition course are fast and putting will be key to success at Pondok Indah Golf Course in Jakarta when the golf events take place from Aug 23-26.

"The course is not that long but the greens are a bit difficult," said Sanit, who also coached the Thai team at the 2014 Asian Games.

Asked about the women's team where all the pressure is likely to be on Atthaya's shoulders, Sanit said that it is normal for all good players to feel the burden.

Meanwhile, Kulthida and Kan have improved considerably and should be able to help the team win a medal.

Golf, introduced into the Asian Games in 1982, will use a 72-hole stroke play format. For the men's team event, the best three scores out of four players will be counted, while in the women's team, the best two out of three scores will be taken into account.

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