Rather, they are determined to tame the course and win the Queen Sirikit Cup from April 5-7.

"It's very hard but not impossible," said Thailand national golf coach Mongkol Varee. "We were in every position before. The numbers missing are one and four.

"Of course, in weight distribution we can beat anybody," he said cheekily, pointing at tall, bulky teenagers Suteera Chanachai (18), Junthima Gulyanamitta (17) and Tharinee Plucksataporn (16), who were sharpening their short game.

Mongkol's confidence stems from the fact that the team is evenly balanced. "The scoring average is much better as a team. There is no outstanding girl. Nobody carries anybody. They are all equal," he said. However, judging by the facts and past performances, Suteera is clearly the team leader. "We are confident of doing well, although wind and cold will be crucial factors. Besides, playing on a links course will be a different ball game altogether," said Suteera, who won the Thailand Ladies Open and who was a

member of the team which won a gold medal at the SEA Games last year.

The team was taken to the Best Ocean Golf Course in Mahachai, Samut Sakhon, which is similar to Royal Adelaide, to get feeling for the layout. "It was quite windy and there are lots of pot bunkers, rough on either side of the fairways and water hazards. It was quite a challenge," said Suteera.

Though demanding, Mongkol said the girls enjoyed the outing at Best Ocean. "We made them play two rounds. They were playing on a links course for the first time in their lives and the experience was something they would not forget."

The obvious question of chinks in the armour pops up. "Our weakness is putting. Besides positive thinking, we have been doing practice drills to overcome that. We are trying to take out thoughts such as 'cannot do' out of our minds," Suteera said.

Mongkol said the team had been concentrating on their short game. "We looked at different kind of shots to play. On a links course, the short game is very important. There are no trees behind the greens and the wind keeps changing direction. In the absence of a backdrop, it is very hard to judge the right distance," he said.

South Korea, Japan and Australia, who have healthy junior development programmes, start as favourites.

"Obviously, they are the pre-tournament favourites. The course will play out the same for everyone. Even for Australia, there will not be any advantages. In fact, they will be under pressure to perform in home conditions.

"On a golf course, the performance depends on where the ball is rolling. It all comes to the bounce of the ball. A bounce the wrong way means you go mad and your game will suffer. I have been telling the girls just to have fun. One will play better if one is in a relaxed state of mind."

Any fear of the opponents? "No," said Suteera emphatically. "We don't fear our opponents, but we have a healthy respect for them."

Junthima butted in. "We are not underdogs, rather dark

horses would be the appropriate word."

Mongkol said the team, who were second last year, will make every attempt to bring home the bacon. "When we go there, it is not that we do not want to win. We will be doing our best.

"Deep inside me, I am hoping for a miracle. The girls are very young but experienced at international level. They have played with the pros in Malaysia and elsewhere.

"They are capable of playing well. This time we are not looking for second place but to steal something.

"They can win, when their time comes. It is like soccer. We came a long way. When is Thailand going to beat Japan and Korea?" Mongkol wondered.

Thai golf buffs, however, are hoping their talented trio will pull off a big upset in Australia's wine region and bring home some champagne to celebrate with.

George Cheriyan

 The Nation