March, 2009

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Thai ladies golfers are advancing fast

Thirteen-year-old Pinrath wins trophy and gives further hope for a bright future

By: Story EDWARD THANGARAJAH Published: 22/03/2009 at 12:00 AM Newspaper section: Sports

When the first Thailand Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship was held 31 years ago at the Rose Garden layout doubts were raised whether it could continue to enjoy the same interest and following.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said he could have left early because of the rain disruption but that he was overwhelmed by the young players' enthusiasm and the high standard of golf they unfolded.

The winning three-round score produced by Pinrath (211), equalled the lowest score by Suteera Chanachai in 2006. And 10 or more golfers who finished on the leaderboard on Friday came up with outstanding with three-round scores which reflected the advancement and changes the tournament has undergone.

I agree with Dr Nat. In the past, golfers had to be encouraged and inspired to take to the sport but today hordes of young girls are excelling.

I am also in agreement with his observation that although South Korea has advanced tremendously in ladies golf, Thailand is going to fill the vacuum which exists between the two countries and make a serious impact in the world.

Another remarkable aspect the sport enjoys is that the focus is now on dozens of young golfers from the kingdom instead of overseas participants.

That is also a fine reflection on the ladies golf organisers in the kingdom, led by Ms Rae-vadee and a fine achievement which is being well-supported by officials like Khun Prapaisri Sudhinoraset, the president of Thailand Ladies Amateur Golf.

With more educated, keen followers of Thai sports pointing out the remarkable growth disciplines like ladies golf have accomplished, I am sure a lot could be achieved.

We need more followers and observers like Dr Nat to pinpoint the advancement sports in Thailand have made.

The dramatic change the Thai Amateur Ladies Open has enjoyed is obvious through the switch between the first triumph of a seasoned campaigner like M.R.Napasri to today's attention on 13-year-old winner Pinrath.

If young ladies continue to display such keenness and advancement Thai ladies are going to make a serious impact in the world.

In the past, what the sport needed was strong organisation and hard work.

Thanks to hours of tireless, dedicated application by officials that target has been reached.

What Thailand needs today is achievement and results. I am sure that will be generated soon with youngsters like Pinrath, Thidapa Suwannapura, Jaruporn Polakawong Na Ayudhya,Voranrada Nuprachum and Chuyuda Singhsuwan - to name a few - making a strong impact on the discipline.

 

Young Pinrath wins Thailand Ladies title

By: EDWARD THANGARAJAH Published: 21/03/2009 at 12:00 AM Newspaper section: Sports

It was Pinrath Loomboonruang of Thailand who engraved her name on the coveted H.M.Queen Rambhai Barni Trophy yesterday in a rain drenched final round of the 19th Singha Thailand Ladies Open at the Bangkok Golf Club layout.

Play was held up for two hours as it poured heavily while players rushed to the clubhouse. Guest of honour, Thailand's International Olympic Committee member, Dr Nat Intrapana, sportingly remained on the scene to do the honours at the end of the day.

Thirteen-year-old Pinrath emerged as the youngest winner of the event with a square par round of 72 on the final day.

Thidapa Suwannapura who returned a one-under 71 yesterday, and was breathing down the neck of Pinrath throughout yesterday's round, had to be satisfied with the runner-up spot, falling one-stroke short in the end. She came up with one-under 35, on the last nine, but the late spurt wasn't good enough to get the better of Pinrath.

Seven golfers enjoyed under-par rounds yesterday and Dr Nat remarked on the high standard of golf and enthusiasm the girls displayed.

Thailand may not be able to catch up with the Koreans immediately, but the Thai girls have laid the foundation to reach the top, in the not too distant future, he said.

Dr Nat and the President of the Thailand Amateur Ladies Golf Association, Ms Prapaisiri Sudhinaraset, presented the awards.

 

Young Pinrath sets pace

By: EDWARD THANGARAJAH Published: 20/03/2009 at 12:00 AM Newspaper section: Sports

A 13-year-old Thai girl Pinrath Loomboonruang, who was pipped by Cyna Marie Rodriguez of the Philippines from winning the Daily Best Score award yesterday at the Bangkok Golf Club layout, leads in the race to win the Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barni's Trophy tournament which concludes today.

 

In contrast to the first round when seven golfers unfolded sub-par scores, only two produced under par scores.

First round co-leader Apisara Chuliya fell from grace as she ballooned to 82, to be in joint 15th position. But the other co-leader Thidapa Suwannapura remained in contention in second spot, with a round of 73 to add her 68 in the first round.

Two golfers came in with 69s, Rodriguez (35-34) and Pinrath (33-36), with Rodriguez taking the daily lowest prize award with her better back nine.

Nevertheless, it is young Pinrath with a combined score of 139 (70-69) who is in the lead with Thidapa Suwannapura, two shots behind at 141. Varanrada Nuprachum is third with 142, and Philippines' Chihira Ikeda is a shot behind at 143.

Forty-seven will play in the final round for H.M.Queen Rambhai Barni's Trophy. The first tee-off is at 7.a.m. and prizes will be awarded at 1.45 p.m. at the Bangkok Golf Club.

LEADING SECOND ROUND SCORES

139 - Pinrath Loomboonruang (THA) 70-69

141 - Thidapa Suwannapura (THA) 68-71

142 - Varanrada Napachum (THA) 69-73

143 - Chihiro Ikeda (Phi) 70-73

144 - Chuyuda Singsuwan (THA) 71-73; Yupaporn Kuwanpakorn (THA) 72-72; Jaruporn Palakawong (THA) 72-72

145 - Patcharajuta Kongkraphan (Tha) 70-75

146 - Cyna Marie Rodriguez (Phi) 77-69

Flight A: 139 - Pinrath Loomboonruang (THA)

141 - Thidapa Suwannapura (THA)

142 - Varanrada Nuprachum

Flight B: 152 - Yin May Yao (Mya)

159 - Nichakom Rakachai (THA)

161 - May Li (Mya)

Flight C: 182 - Chuleekorn Saengsophon (THA)

190 - Aree Buraphacheep

193 - Ambhant Meesuk (THA)

Flight D: 187 - Anchalee Dulsida (THA)

202 - Phacharawadee P. (THA)

Evergreen Flight: 181 - Kamolthip Pettrit

182 - Chitima Kikuchi

Inter-Club Team Championship

Gross Team: 1.Talga 2 283; 2.Talga 3 288; 3. Philippines ICTSI 289

Net Team Championship

1. Burma 265. 2.Talga 284. 3. Talga 4 285

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Guinness Book of World Record

Mr.Henrich du Preez, a South African, completed the most rounds of golf at Bangkok Golf Club ....................... as stipulated from midnight on Sunday 2 November 2008 until midnight Monday 3 November 2008.

Mr. du Preez completed 22 rounds and 9 holes in 24 hours, a new Guinness Book of World Records.

He was accompanied by Mr. Leon Kotze, a lawyer from South Africa, who is approved by the .............. Guinness Book of World Records to verify the result.

Various personnel from Bangkok Golf Club also esorted Mr. du Preez for the 24 hours period.

For more details, please visit his website : www.radicalgolf.co.za

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Bangkok Golf Training Centre's Masters Series & Challange 2008

Starting in July 2008 Bangkok Golf Centre introduced our Masters Series 2008 junior competitions on our Mah Boonkrong International Par 3 Course. The series of six competitions run on the first Saturday of each month are professionally designed and run not only to provide a great playing opportunity but also to teach juniors the rules under which they must compete and the etiquette that is part of which makes golf such a unique game. The concept proved to be so popular that by the time of the 2nd competition we had to introduce our Masters Challenge to run on the second Saturday of each month to accommodate all who wanted to join in.

Each competition starts with a bag drop, followed by registration and a 30 minute rules session in our training centre before returning to the Mah Boonkrong International Par 3 Course for a shot gun start.

 

For more details, please visit Bangkok Golf Training Centre : www.bangkokgolfcentre.com

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Golfing into the Guinness Book of World Records

Mr. Henrich du Preez, a South African, has booked himself into Guinness Book of World Records by playing golf in 6 continents over 5 days :

• Africa - South Africa (Pretoria) : Woodhill Golf Estate
• Europe - Germany (Frankfurt) : Neuhof Golf Club
• South America - Argentina (Buenos Aires) : San Elisco Golf Club
• North America - USA (Los Angeles) : Trump National Golf Club
• Australia - Australia (Sydney) : East Lake Golf Club
• Asia - Thailand (Bangkok) : Bangkok Golf Club

On May 22, 2007 , Henrich Started his quest at Woodhill Golf Estate (Africa) and finished his journey on May 27, 2007 (South Africa time) at Bangkok Golf Club (Asia) - completing his attempt to play golf in 6 continents over 5 days.

Website : His journey at Bangkok Golf Club -

http://www.golfdinge.co.za/?Task=system&CategoryID=23958&sCatName=Bangkok+GC

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Certificate to New Guinness Book of World Records

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Sports >> Saturday March 11, 2006

GOLF / 16TH THAILAND AMATEUR LADIES OPEN

Suteera wins HM Queen Rambhai Barni's trophy

Beats Roberto on second play-off hole

EDWARD THANGARAJAH

Suteera Chanachai...wins after sudden death play-off against Loralie Roberto of the Philippines.— SURAPOTE PHONGJIVANICH

Thailand's national team player Suteera Chanachai and Loralie Roberto of the Philippines provided a fitting finale to the 16th Thailand Amateur Ladies Open yesterday at the Bangkok Golf Club layout. They battled out a sudden death play-off and Suteera won Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barni's Trophy on the second hole with a beautiful birdie putt.

It was a drama-filled finish with the Filipina pushing the 18-year-old Suteera to the last. The duo finished on 211 after three rounds of action.

Loralie returned a square-par round of 72 and Suteera a one-over 73 in yesterday's final round.

Until the end of the first nine, Suteera appeared to be breezing through to victory. She went out in 37 while Loralie had a 38. With her one-stroke lead overnight, Suteera was two shots in front at the turn.

But the Filipina enjoyed an excellent back nine. She came back in 34 with two birdies to add to her flawless play while Suteera who suffered a double bogey on the par-4 10th. Though she did recover with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th, but that wasn't enough to save her from facing the play-off.

And what a great finale, it turned out to be. They parred the first play-off hole, went back to the 18th and Suteera fired a birdie while Loralie who went into the water, lost her grip on the tense encounter and lost.

Everyone who watched the action gave both players a resounding cheer.

The first-day leader, Chayuda Singsuwan finished three shots off the pace in third spot at 214, while another Filipina, Dottie Ardina finished fourth with a three-round score of 215.

Juntima Gulyanamitta took the fifth spot and Tang Thi Nhung was sixth.

Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra's Trophy for the Gross Team event was won by Team 4 for the Thailand Ladies Golf Association with a score of 281. The team players were: Suteera Chanachai, Juntima Gulyanamitta and Tharinee Plucksataporn.

They beat the first Philippines team comprising Loralie Roberto, Deborah de Villa and Ana Imelda Tanpico who returned a score of 284.

The second runner-up with a score of 289 was the Second Philippines Team comprising: Dottie Ardina, Cyna Marie Rodriguez and Crystal Faith Superal.

TALGA founder president, Mom Kobkaew Abhakara's Cup for the Net Team was won by the Chinese Taipei Golf Association. Their teams comprised Weng Li Ting and Chiu Hsiao-Ting and unfolded a team score of 261, which saw them capture the top award with ease.

The first runner-up was the Ratchaburi Junior Team 4 comprising Doina Phudhipinij, Kemaporn Kratulurk and Sawitri Songtai while the second runner-up team was the Singapore Ladies Golf Association Team 3 with 276.

LEADING SCORES

After Championship final round for H.M. Rambhai Barni's Trophy

Champion: Suteera Chanachai (Thai) 211-(69-69-73), she won in a sudden death play-off after two holes.

Runner-up: Loralie Rpberto (Phi) 211 -72-67-72

Second Runner-up: Chayuda Singsuwan (Thai) 214 - 68-75-71

Third Runner-up: Dottie Artina (Phi) 215-78-68-69

4th Runner-up: Juntima Gulyanamitta (Thai) 217 -71-72-74 (ocb)

5th Runner-up: Tang Thi Nhung (Thai) 217 -71-75-71

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Sports >> Friday March 10, 2006

 

THAILAND LADIES AMATEUR OPEN & INTER-CLUB C'SHIP

Suteera soars into lead

EDWARD THANGARAJAH

It was a day of mixed fortunes though conditions remained outstanding at the Bangkok Golf Club layout yesterday, where the second round of the 16th Thailand Ladies Amateur Open Golf and Inter-club Championship was played. Young Filipina Loralie Robert posted an outstanding five-under-par 67, the lowest so far in the tournament which lifted her into the second spot with a two-round total of 139.

Robert is a stroke behind new leader Suteera Chanachai who wound up with her second successive three-under 69.

Robert went out in 33 firing two birdies and an eagle on the par-5 seventh and returned in 34, making one slip on the par-4 12th which she three-putted. Nevertheless she recovered superbly and added two more birdies on the 15th and 16th.

Suteera, a member of the Thai national team for the 28th Queen Sirikit Cup is the new leader. She played steady golf firing four birdies and suffered the only blemish of the round on the par-4 seventh.

Nevertheless, Suteera did very well to capture the lead from compatriot Chayuda Singsuwan, who had a horrendous round of 75 which placed her in a third-place tie along with Juntima Gulyanamitta at 143.

Chayuda complained that it was her putting which let her down.

''Instead of making birdies I suffered bogeys,'' she said at the end of yesterday's outing.

Juntima, also a member of the Thai national team produced an even par 72 yesterday and said that her score would have been much better had her chipping and putting been more consistent.

Two shots behind in sole fifth spot at 145 was Pennapa Poolsawan who wound up with a 72.

Another Filipina, Dottie QArdina, was in the limelight yesterday.

She enjoyed the second best round of the day a four-under-par 68 which lifted her from the 34th spot to a 11th place tie along with five others.

Ardina, who had a bogey-filled round of 78 on Wednesday, breathed a sigh of relief after yesterdays outing and said that she hoped that her putting will be as good or better, in todays final round.

The field was cut off to the top 75 qualifiers for today's final round.

LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES

(All Thais otherwise stated)

138 _ Suteera Chanachai 69-69

139 _ Loralie Robert (Phi) 72-67

143 _ Juntima Gulyanamitta 71-72; Chayuda Singsawan 68-75

145 _ Pennapa Poolsawan 73-72

146 _ Deborah de Villa (Phi) 73-73; Koh Sock Hwee (Sing) 72-74; Tang Thi Nhung 71-75; Apinporn Swaschuto 72-74; Ana Imelda (Phi) 72-74; Dottie Ardina (Phi) 78-68

147 _ Cyna Oarie Rodriguez (Phi) 72-75; Wannasiri Sirisampant 70-77; Yupaporn Kawinpakorn 74-73

148 _ Melissa Loh (Sing) 75-73;Vaitiya Sa-ngarikul 75-73; Ainil Jahani Abu Bakar (Mal) 74-74; Surachanee Sriyai 75-73;Thidapa Suwannapura 78-70; Tharinee Plucksataporn 74-74

149 _ Carmelette Villaroman (Phi) 77-72; Crystal Faith Superai (Phi) 76-73; Piyathida Chaiyapan 75-74

151 _ Chiu Hsiau-Ti (Tpe) 76-75; Tipanun Prakavudhisan 78-73

152 _ Michelle Koh Lay Sia (Mal) 74-78; Narisara Kerchit 74-78; Hathaikarn Wongwaikijphaisal 72-80; Waistha Tussaneetraitep 71-81

153 _ Dayanitha Kunesakran (Mal) 80-73

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Sports >> Thursday March 09, 2006

THAILAND LADIES AMATEUR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Chayuda leads as local youngsters set pace on first day

EDWARD THANGARAJAH

Thais shone on the first day of the 16th Thailand Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship which began yesterday at the Bangkok Golf Club layout. Led by Chayuda Singsuwan, six players returned under-par rounds on a beautiful, sunny day while five registered square-par rounds of 72.

Of the others, four tied at 73 and six finished two-over-par 74.

The fact that many young girls have taken up to golf was in evidence, not only by the large numbers who have entered this year, but also through the high standard of golf they displayed on this opening day.

The remarkable aspect of development of ladies golf in the country and elsewhere in the region is in evidence by the outstanding standard of play that's being unfolded by young golfers in their teens.

''They are juniors, as a result the seniors are finding it difficult to match up to them,'' said an elated Ms Rae-vadee T.Suwan, who has been responsible for the promotion of ladies golf in this part of the world. She added the key to success in professional golf is the experience one gains as an amateur.

The tournament has attracted a record 137 amateurs.

Chayuda, a sixteen-year-old who hails from Ratchaburi, had back-to-back 34s.

A bogey on the par-4 third, didn't hinder her play. She played determined golf thereafter.

In fact she recovered straight away with a birdie on the par-4 fourth, fired two more on the par-4 sixth and par-5 eighth and took the turn with a two-under 34. Back-to-back birdies on 11th and 12th, a dropped stroke on the 13th plus a birdie on the 18th saw her finish a stroke ahead at 68, of the tournament favourite, Suteera Chanachai who went out in 35 and was back in 34 for her round of 69.

Wannasiri Sirisampant, who came up with 35s, for her two-under 70, finished one-stroke ahead of Waristha Tussaneetraitep, Tang Thi Nhung and Juntima Gulyanamittta who also did well to return below par rounds.

LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES

(All Thais otherwise stated)

68 _ Chayuda Singsuwan (34-34)

69 _ Suteera Chanachai (35-34)

70 _ Wannasiri Sirisampant (35-35)

71 _ Waristha Tussaneetraitep (35-36);Tang Thi Nhung (36-35); Juntima Gulyanamitta (36-35)

72 _ Koh Sock Hwee (Sing) (35-37); Lorali Roberto (Phi) (36-36); Apinporn Swaschutho (36-36); Ana Imelda Tanpica (Phi) (33-39); Hathaikan Wongwaikijpai (35-37)

73 _ Ji Jia Li (Sing)( 35-38); Deborad de Villa (Phi) (35-38); Doinapa Phudthipinij (35-38)

74 _ Michelle Koh Lay Sia(Mal) (35-39); Ainil Johan Abu Bakar (Mal) (41-33); Sawitri 37-37; Narisara Kerdrit (36-38); Yupapaorn Kawinpakom (37-37); Tharinee Plucksataporn (40-34)

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Sports >> Tuesday March 07, 2006

GOLF / THAILAND LADIES AMATEUR OPEN

No room left as bumper competition gears up

EDWARD THANGARAJAH

Good amateurs grow up to be excellent professionals.

 

That's what the Thailand Ladies Golf Association led by Ms Phanphen Poonwathu has impressed on all young lady golfers in the kingdom and elsewhere.

This has led to an influx of entries for the 16th Thailand Ladies Amateur Open which starts tomorrow at the Bangkok Golf Club layout and will conclude on Friday.

The field has significantly passed its target of 120.

No doubt, they were impressed by the performances of Nontaya Srisawang, who won the Phuket Masters, and Pornanong Phatlum, who won the Hong Kong Ladies Open.

As a result, the Thailand Ladies Golf Association has been forced to shut its doors for this year's Ladies Amateur Open. "We have been forced to disappoint many who had planned to take part. We are sorry about it," said Ms Phanphen.

Golfers from 11 countries will join the championship which is expected to be keenly contested.

Last year's winner, Taiwan's Tseng Ya-Ni is now in the US preparing to launch a professional career.

This year's championship will feature a large field of single-handicap golfers and they will bid for the Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barnis Trophy while 24 teams will contend for the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Cup and Mom Kobkaew Abhakara Cup.

The tournament is being supported by the Bangkok Golf Club, the Bangkok Spa and Resort, the Bangkok Bank, Boonrawd Brewery and United Broadcasting Corp.

Hole-in-one prizes have been presented by Daikin air-conditioners and Betty Thai Silk and Jewellers.

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..........Bangkok, December 14: Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee recorded a magnificent victory in the US$500,000 Volvo Masters of Asia today to register far and away the biggest win of his impressive career. Thongchai shot a six-under-par 65 to win by one stroke from Taiwan's Lin Keng-chi, who returned a 67. In what is the season-ending Tour championship on the Asian PGA Tour, Thongchai finished with a four-round aggregate of 19-under-par 265 and won US$90,000. Jyoti Randhawa of India came in with a 65 to finish alone in third ......place, four strokes off the lead at Bangkok Golf Club.

..........Atwal and Thongchai only arrived in Thailand on Wednesday afternoon after a long flight from the US PGA Tour Qualifying School in Florida. Atwal made it through the school but Thongchai was unsuccessful. The Thai's victory in the Volvo Masters of Asia went a long way towards making amends for his disappointment in America. "I would like to thank the Thai fans, it has been a great week. After the first round I really did not think I had a chance. I felt very tired because of the rush to make it here. I had no feeling but things felt much better on the second day," said Thongchai, who fired rounds of 71 and 64 before weekend rounds of 65.

..........The victory marked Thongchai's fourth triumph on the Asian PGA Tour. "I feel very proud to have won in Thailand. This is definitely the best win of my career," added Thongchai, who finished the year in third place on the Merit list. The 34 year old won the Merit title in 2001 and was second last year.

..........Lin, who started the day tied for the lead with American Ted Purdy, needed an eagle three at the last hole to force a play-off but could only manage a birdie. He had mounted a challenge for the title with four birdies on the trot from the 10th. Lin said: "I felt I had a chance to win the tournament after those four straight birdies. Unfortunately, somebody else played better than me today. Looking at my card, there were just too many bogeys but that was because I was playing aggressively." Purdy, who led after rounds one and two, had a poor day and returned a 74. After a double bogey six on the eighth, which he triple bogeyed yesterday, he was never able to get back in the hunt.

..........Atwal closed with a 68 to finish the tournament on four-over-par 288 but it was enough for him to succeed countryman Randhawa as the Asian PGA's top player. He finished the year with earnings of US$284,018 and with two wins under his belt in the Carlsberg Malaysian Open and Indian Masters. Zhang, who needed to finish at least second this week to catch him, was second on the list with winnings of US$254,869.

..........By claiming the Merit list title Atwal earned a place in next year's British Open and full playing rights on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation. Next year, however, he will be focusing on keeping his card on the US PGA Tour. "It feels absolutely wonderful to be the Asian PGA Tour number one. It caps a great season for me and I'm looking forward to playing in the British Open, which will be my first Major," said Atwal. "I didn't really play well today but when I saw that Zhang wasn't making a charge, I kind of felt relieved."