Hosts Thailand defeated Japan 15-13 to capture the inaugural Friendship Cup at the Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi last Sunday, December 23.
Leading 10-6 from the first two days of foursome and fourball play on Friday and Saturday, the Thai team needed just four and a half points from the 12 singles matches on Sunday to secure the $1.2 million title and trophy, but the home team struggled to get across the line.
The talented Japanese squad fought back to get within a point of Thailand at 14-13 after current women’s world number one player Ariya Jutanigarn was surprisingly defeated by teenager Nasa Hataoka. With just one match left out on the course, featuring Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Satoshi Kodaira of Japan, the tensions rose among players and spectators alike.
World No.38 Aphibarnrat was one down after 16 holes but back-to-back bogeys on 17 and 18 from Kodaira cost Japan dearly. As the pair took it down to the final hole, the Thai favourite made sure it was the home supporters who went home smiling by sinking a 4-foot putt on the 18th green to clinch his match by 1-up and also seal a 15-13 victory for Thailand.
“It came down the stretch. I play on this course a lot but the last three shots were so difficult. I was so nervous and excited making the last putt as it was for myself and my team,” said Aphibarnrat later.
Thai captain Boonchu Ruangkit said: “I didn’t expect it to be this close. The Japanese girls putted so well and really put up a fight. Luckily Kiradech won the crucial point to help us win.”
The Amata Friendship Cup is the first mixed-gender team event for professional and amateur golfers with a similar format to the Ryder Cup. The Thai and Japanese teams consisted of five male professionals, five female professionals, one male amateur, and one female amateur.
