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Published on December 14, 2007

The 24th SEA Games national team added a new record in local golf history by making a clean sweep of four gold medals at the 6,489 and 7,356 yard par-72 Bonanza Khaoyai Nakhon Ratchasima course yesterday.

The seven-member squad, four men and three women, harvested the men's individual, men's team, and women's individual and team gold, which marked the first time the Kingdom dominated all categories in the Games golf competition.

Making his debut in the sports extravaganza, 17-year-old Pipatpong Naewsuk hit a two-under 70 yesterday for a four day total of 11-under 277 to capture the men's individual gold.

Under the supervision of former pro Boonchu Ruangkit, Pipatpong also claimed the team victory as he and team-mates Kiradej Aphibarnrart, Varut Chomchalam and Thanyakorn Khrongpha hit the best score of 26-under 238. Philippines finished far behind with six-under 258 to take the silver, two strokes ahead of Indonesia.

"I feel proud to win two golds. I didn't hit the driver well in the beginning, but after I got an eagle on the 13th, I felt relaxed. I picked up two birdies in the last two holes," said the teenager who has two more years to turn a  professional. He signed off one stroke adrift of Kiradej who carded 10-under 278 on aggregate for silver. The bronze went to M Nazari of Malaysia, with six under 282. "I made errors in my putts which was a bit disappointing to end my amateur career. Now on, I will work hard to turn professional," Kiradej said.

The last time the local men's side won both gold medals was in the 1995 Games in Chiang Mai.

Pracharajutha Kongkraphan was crowned the women's individual champion after a three-day total of six-under 210. Following her was Filipina Ana Im Melta Tanpinco who finished with an even par 216 and A Bakar from Malaysia came third after a two over 218.

The 15-year-old girl also claimed the team gold, along with Yupa Kawinpakorn and Pakaphan Phuntumabamrung to fire two-under 430. Philippines came second with seven over 439 and Indonesia at third with a 441.

"We had the edge over others as  we are familiar with the course. I'm happy with the results and I will try to gain more experience," Pracharajutha said.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation