The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) celebrated an extraordinary day at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, as they retained the Bonallack Trophy and reclaimed the Patsy Hankins Trophy against Team Europe. This remarkable double victory marked a significant milestone for golf in the region, showcasing both skill and determination.
(Pictured: General Abdullah Ahhasmi (centre), Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) with winning Captains of Team Asia as well as tournament officials.)
A Narrow Victory in the Bonallack Trophy
The Bonallack Trophy contest could not have been closer, as Captain Rishi Narain’s team secured a nail-biting 16.5 – 15.5 win. Heading into the singles matches tied at 10-10, the Asia-Pacific team needed a strong performance to retain the trophy.
Early in the day, momentum swung in Europe’s favor, with Jose Luis Ballester dominating his match against Singapore’s Hiroshi Tai. However, the tide began to turn when China’s Zhou Ziqin secured an emphatic 6&4 victory. As matches progressed, the outcome remained uncertain, with both teams trading victories.
Eventually, it all came down to Thailand’s Phichaksin Maichon, who clinched a crucial 2&1 win on the 17th hole. His triumph ensured the Asia-Pacific’s retention of the Bonallack Trophy, triggering jubilant celebrations among players and supporters.
A Commanding Performance in the Patsy Hankins Trophy
In contrast to the close-fought Bonallack Trophy, the Patsy Hankins Trophy saw Captain Joanne McKee’s team deliver a dominant performance. Building on their 11.5 – 8.5 overnight lead, the Asia-Pacific women’s team came out firing on all cylinders.
Winning eight of the singles matches and halving another, the Asia-Pacific team overwhelmed their European opponents, cruising to a 20 – 12 victory. This stunning display left no room for a European comeback and solidified their dominance in the competition.
McKee, keeping a promise she had made to her team, celebrated the win by diving into the Arabian Gulf near the 18th green. She was joined by her assistant captains and players in a joyous celebration of their collective achievement.
Moments to Remember
Throughout the day, the competition delivered several unforgettable moments that added to the excitement:
- Holes-in-One: Japan’s Mamika Shinchi and Denmark’s Marie Madsen achieved spectacular aces, thrilling the spectators.
- Eila Galitsky’s Brilliance: Thailand’s Eila Galitsky set the tone for the day by defeating England’s World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) No. 1, Lottie Woad, in the opening singles match. Her flawless five-wood approach to the par-5 18th hole was a standout highlight.
Praise for the Teams
Reflecting on the achievements, Tamiur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the APGC, expressed his admiration:
“What an incredible effort from everyone involved. Congratulations to the players, the captains, and their support teams. They should be proud of their achievements.”
High Drama in the Bonallack Trophy
As the day unfolded, the Bonallack Trophy delivered high-stakes drama. Europe’s Jose Luis Ballester, ranked fifth in the WAGR, capped off an impeccable week with a 5&4 victory. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific’s resilience shone through, with key wins from players like Zack Swanwick, Enrique Dimayuga, and Rintaro Nakano swinging the momentum back in their favour.
In the end, Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Minh and Estonia’s Richard Teder halved their match, leaving Phichaksin Maichon’s victory as the deciding factor. His heroics on the 17th hole secured the trophy, capping off a remarkable day for the Asia-Pacific team.
Course Details
- Bonallack Trophy: 7,201 yards, Par 72
- Patsy Hankins Trophy: 6,286 yards, Par 72
A Red-Letter Day for Asia-Pacific Golf
This double triumph highlights the growing strength of golf in the Asia-Pacific region. With exceptional performances across both teams, the future of the sport in the region looks brighter than ever. Congratulations to all players, captains, and support teams for their incredible efforts and well-deserved success.
