Smash Factor in Wollongong was the place to be yesterday, as some of the world’s best women’s golfers descended on the simulator venue for a full day of virtual golf action.
The afternoon saw 24 players battle it out in a virtual qualifying event for both the Women’s NSW Open and the Australian Women’s Classic, before the evening brought the Ford Women’s NSW Virtual Open Teams Event to round out a memorable day under the one roof.
Team Thailand stole the show in the evening’s Teams Event, with Sasikarn Somboonsup and Trichat Cheenglab combining to finish six under par and claim victory from a field of 12 teams representing states and countries from across the globe, and taking home a $5,000 cash prize in the process.
For Sasikarn, sharing the experience with her teammate made the night extra special, particularly given who that teammate was.
“I was very lucky to play with Trichat. She has been my idol for a long time,” she said.
“She actually carried the team, so I got really lucky.”
The Thai star admitted simulator golf was something of a new experience, but found it thoroughly enjoyable.
“It’s really fun. It’s actually easier than the actual course, but you need to be lucky also.”
As for the cash prize, her reaction said it all: “Oh my gosh, yes. I really needed that. It’s really nice that you guys did this event for us.”
Ladies European Tour player Trichat was equally thrilled with how the night unfolded. While the switch from yards to metres on the simulator took a little getting used to, she relished the chance to reconnect with her longtime friend and partner.
“She is very nice, and we didn’t play together for quite a long time,” Trichat said.
“Today was very fun.”
She was equally enthusiastic about the prize, with characteristically fun plans for the winnings: “I think I will buy some drinks for my friends this week.”
Trichat is already hoping the event becomes a permanent fixture on the calendar.
“I think this game should continue next year, and I hope I can play. It’s a lot of fun.”
Earlier in the day, the qualifying event produced a thrilling finish. After 24 players went head-to-head for spots in the Women’s NSW Open and the Australian Women’s Classic, three players could not be separated and headed to a playoff: Hyjei Yang of Korea, Mia Okumura of Japan, and Amy Walsh of the ACT. It took two extra holes before Walsh clinched it.
Walsh, who had never played much simulator golf before, made sure she was prepared.
“I actually went the day before and had a little hit, so I guess that was a good practice round,” she said.
On the day itself, her ball-striking did the talking.
“I hit the ball really well and I think I just managed to get it in that gimme range enough times that it ended up paying off.”
The playoff itself was a tense affair.
“It was quite a strange feeling, being nervous hitting into a screen in a sim,” Walsh admitted.
“But to get into two events, there was quite a bit on the line, so I was pretty nervous on that first playoff hole.”
A key moment came when her approach rolled dangerously close to trouble.
“It was rolling towards that 50-foot, three-putt line. Thankfully it stopped just before that.”
For Walsh, who described it as a tough year on the golf course, the win carried extra meaning.
“I’ve had enough chances to get into these events, and I’ve had a pretty tough year playing golf,” she reflected.
“In a way, it’s just a bit of a free hit. I’m just happy I was the one who managed to make it through in the end. I’ll take it, absolutely.”
