After a 28-year drought, golf at the SEA Games has finally earned a gold medal – the first team gold medal, in fact. The 29th SEA Games at Kuala Lumpur marked a historical moment for golf in Singapore, where the team of Marc Ong, Gregory Foo, Joshua Shou and Joshua Ho fought hard and tirelessly to win Team Thailand in the match play playoffs.
A demoralizing silver for Ong, where he narrowly missed by a stroke in the individual event, the lead was exchanged multiple times but Ong and Foo were never far off. It was always too close to call, nerve wrecking and emotionally draining for players and supporters alike.
The individual match clearly sparked a thirst for the gold medal in the Team event which followed after. Team Singapore and Team Thailand fought it out till the very end, with Foo winning his match 1-up, Shou losing 4/2 and Ong all squared forcing a playoff with his opponent Kammalas Namuangruk. It all came to a roaring end after three holes, where Namuangruk’s chip for birdie lipped the hole and Ong stepped in to close the door and claim their victory.
Tears of joy were evident as the Team has been waiting for this day, training and putting in the time to make this happen. President, Mr Ross Tan and several members of the Board were present to witness this historical event and congratulate the team.
Our Women’s Team came away with no medal this time. but instead a priceless experience and a bond that will stay with them for a long time. The team consisting of Callista Chen, Jacqueline Young and Sarah Tan gave their best and leave this event with no regrets but more motivation to progress and get better.
