Singapore’s Top National Golfer James Leow clinches Individual Gold Medal in the 2019 SEA Games, ending 30 year wait since Singapore’s first individual gold medal by Samson Gimson in 1989
It was a spectacular week for Singapore Golf, as James Leow claimed an Individual Gold Medal victory in the 2019 SEA Games held at the Luisita Golf & Country Club in Philippines. James overcame a 2 shot deficit entering the final round with a superb 7 under par round of 65, to give him a 54-hole total of 13 under par (68,70,65) and a one-shot victory over Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool.
James opened up his final round with 3 consecutive pars, before launching a charge with birdies on the 4th, 6th and the 8th to be tied for the lead at 9 under par after the first nine. The back nine proved to be an exciting and pressure-filled stretch, as the Thai Duo of Tanapat Pichaikool and Nopparat Panichphol continued to display some exceptional scoring, which included an eagle on the Par 5 12th by Tanapat.
However, James showed superb grit and matched his playing partners with birdies on the 10th, 12th and 13th. James had an opportunity to take a one-shot lead on the 16th, but his birdie putt on the Par 5 narrowly missed the hole, whilst par saves on the 17th saw both James and Tanapat enter the last hole tied for the lead. A stellar approach shot on the 18th placed James closest to the pin for birdie and set up the eventual winning putt which he sank from just outside 6ft.
“James showed impeccable discipline and composure all day during a hot final round. He was in total control of his emotions and ultimately his golf ball” said National Coach Matt Ballard, whilst High Performance Manager Joshua Ho attributed precise iron play and mental toughness under immense pressure as key factors to setting up birdie opportunities which James converted with great putting.
“It is an honour to represent the country in the first place, and to win a gold medal for the country, my family & friends, teammates, coaches & managers just means a lot to me”, said an exuberant James when asked how it felt to be the first Singaporean to win an Individual Gold Medal after 30 years.
This milestone was only possible because of the tremendous support that all Golf Clubs and Golfers in Singapore gave to our team. We would to sincerely thank everyone, and we look forward to the Team event which kickstarts tomorrow!
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Our Men’s and Women’s Team enter the Team event tomorrow in 2nd and 5th seed respectively and begin their quest for this prestigious team accolade which will be played over a MatchPlay format.
Final Scores for Singapore (Men’s)
James Leow (-13) – 1st
Nicklaus Chiam (-1) – T11th
Hiroshi Tai (+1) – T15th
Low Wee Jin (+10) – T22nd
Final Scores for Singapore (Women’s)
Ashley Menne (+6) – T8th
Shannon Tan (+8) – 13th
Hailey Loh (+16) – 15th
To follow the Team’s Live Results Please Click HERE