Experienced golf coaches from the Republic of Korea are improving 10 Lao golfers' techniques in the hope they will pick up medals at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane this December.
Mr Kim Mun Su and his assistant, Mr Kim Mun Kyu have been training six male and four female golfers since March this year.
Lao golfers are practicing on various courses including the Km14 golf course, Km6 golf course, and Daensavanh course in Vientiane as well as courses in Savannakhet and Champassak provinces and those in the neighbouring countries of Vietnam and Thailand .
Chairman of the Lao Golf Federation, Mr Sounthone Sirisack said the federation is trying to give the golfers as much experience as possible on different courses.
The federation will cooperate with the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation to hold an international level pre-SEA Games tournament in October and November.
The Lao golfers will have an opportunity to train at the Km18 course when it is finally constructed.
The pre-games tournament will test the golfers' skills and allow the federation to select a final squad of four males and three females to compete at the games.
He said to be selected to represent Laos , golfers must not only posses the necessary skills but also have good behaviour and the right attitude.
Mr Sounthone said it would be difficult for Laos to win a gold medal in golf at the games but the event will provide an excellent opportunity for the young team to gain international experience.
The current squad ranges in age from 16 to 28 years old. They are currently situated in Vientiane where they are training twice daily.
He said the federation is looking to build the stocks of talented young golfers for success at international events in the future.
He said the Lao golfing scene is growing steadily and many young people are interested in the game.
In the lead-up to the games, the federation will hold training courses for 30 technical officials and 70 caddies who will participate in the games.
The golf event at the games will comprise of men's and women's singles and teams events.
The Lao team was unsuccessful in the golf event of the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
