Ho Anh Huy carded a 68 (-4) in Round 1 of the SEA Games 33 men’s individual event. Photo: Trần Ngọc Lân/VGA

Despite challenging course conditions and fast greens, the Vietnamese players demonstrated focus, composure, and resilience—laying an important foundation for their medal ambitions.

Ho Anh Huy – Vietnam’s brightest star in Round 1

The standout performer of the opening day was Ho Anh Huy, the 15-year-old prodigy who once again showcased his remarkable potential. Huy posted a 68 (-4), recording five birdies with only one bogey, highlighted by a run of three consecutive birdies from holes 5 to 7.

His mature, confident, and emotionally composed performance placed him T3 on the men’s individual leaderboard, becoming the “engine” that propelled Vietnam into the leading pack.

Nguyen Anh Minh and Nguyen Tuan Anh: two key players still searching for top form

Despite Vietnam’s favorable team position, challenges remain as Nguyen Anh Minh and Nguyen Tuan Anh—two of the team’s most anticipated performers—have yet to show their best.

Anh Minh signed for a 71 (-1), currently T5 individually, but his play lacked the sharpness that once made him the top-ranked amateur in Southeast Asia on the WAGR.
Tuan Anh, meanwhile, struggled on several pivotal holes and posted a 75 (+3), still unable to produce the breakthrough round the team hoped for.

 Nguyen Anh Minh opened with a 71 (-1). Photo: Trần Ngọc Lân/VGA

The remaining rounds will be crucial for both golfers to regain momentum, especially as the pressure of the medal race intensifies.

Fifa Laopakdee – the No.1 contender for SEA Games 33 gold

On the other side of the leaderboard, Vietnam’s toughest opponent is emerging strongly. Fifa Laopakdee, the reigning Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (APAC) champion—a title that grants entry to The Masters and The Open—continued to display elite form.

Laopakdee fired a 65 (-7) to share the lead with Bregente Rolando (Philippines), instantly establishing himself as the top favorite for the men’s individual gold medal.
His consistency, strategic precision, and confidence are creating significant pressure on Vietnam across both the individual and team events.

Men’s Team Standings – Vietnam tied with Thailand after Round 1

Under SEA Games scoring rules, the Men’s Team results are based on the best three scores each round. With under-par rounds from Ho Anh Huy and Nguyen Anh Minh, plus Tuan Anh’s contribution, Vietnam posted a total of -2, finishing the day tied with Thailand at the top.

The battle between Vietnam – Thailand – Philippines is expected to be extremely intense, with all three teams possessing players capable of explosive scoring in the remaining rounds.

Women’s Event: A challenging start, but opportunities remain

The Vietnamese women’s team faced a tougher opening round:
• Le Chuc An led the team with 76 (+4)
• Le Nguyen Minh Anh shot 81 (+9)
• Nguyen Viet Gia Han posted 82 (+10)

With the two best scores counting toward the team total, Vietnam stands at +13, currently 6th on the leaderboard.
The gap, however, is not insurmountable, and with three rounds left, the team still has opportunities to climb the standings—provided they sharpen approach play and capitalize more effectively on birdie chances.

A long road ahead, with real medal hopes in sight

SEA Games 33 still has three rounds to go, meaning anything can happen. Vietnam holds a solid early advantage in the Men’s Team event, while strong medal prospects remain in the individual category—especially if Ho Anh Huy and Nguyen Anh Minh maintain stability and regain peak rhythm.

The medal journey has only just begun. The entire team is determined, confident, and ready to fight. Vietnamese fans have every reason to believe in a memorable and historic SEA Games campaign.

GolfEdit.com