Thailand had a stellar performance at the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final 2022 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 12-19 November 2022. 25 countries from all over the world competed in this event with each team consisting of 5 players. The championship consisted of 4 tournament rounds and 4 of the 5 best net scores would be counted each day to determine the ranking of each country. This tournament was played over 4 days at four different golf courses. The golf courses included Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Glenmarie Golf & Country Club and Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.

WAGC was founded in 1995 by Sven Tumba and has now become the world’s largest amateur golf championship with qualifying tournaments in over 40 countries. It has been designed to give amateur golfers of all levels the thrill & prestige of representing their nation in a global championship against players of similar skill level. The last time Thailand competed in this event was in South Africa, 2011, which Thailand won the overall event. 11 years later, Thailand competed again and looked very strong from the first day.

After day 1, Thailand was in 3rd place with a total net score of 301. Only 5 shots behind 2nd place team France, and 14 shots behind the leaders Malaysia. A great start to the tournament.

On day 2, Thailand had their best net score of the competition with 287. This boosted them to 2nd place and Malaysia still remained in front by 12 strokes.

On day 3, Thailand struggled and had a net score of 313. This dropped Thailand back to 3rd place and France were back in 2nd place by 5 strokes. Malaysia started to gain a comfortable lead, 15 strokes ahead of France.

On the final championship day, Thailand managed to put together a solid performance with a total net score of 298 which was just enough to take 2nd place from France by one shot. Malaysia remained in 1st place with a total net score of 1,165, Thailand finished 2nd with 1,199 and France finished 3rd with 1,200.

"Chris Watson, Fore’s MD and Team Thailand’s Captain commented, ‘the WAGC world final was an amazing experience for Team Thailand a truly amazing spectacle! The continued, the team did amazingly all we when we bought the Thailand license we never imagined coming home with three individual trophy’s and Team Runners up, an amazing achievement! Now we look to build towards the WAGC Thailand and hopefully bring back the world wrong next year!"

Team Thailand consisted of Deja Klakasikich, Nuttawuth Siriseth, Benja Nipitkulthong, Suchart Chalermkarnchana, Joel Hug and captains Bill Murray and Chris Watson. Everyone played a huge role in Thailand’s 2nd place finish and showed great sportsmanship throughout the competition. Next year’s world final may take place in Phuket and Thailand will definitely be a favorite leading up to this tournament.

Written by Joel Hug

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