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Two of a kind Wongluekiet twins are destined for success
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Safeway Classic this past weekend was the first time in my career that I knew I had no chance to make a percentage check -- which is a cut-of-the-winnings fee of the winnings that a caddie is normally paid. I'm not saying that the player I was toting for wasn't good enough to make the cut -- she just wasn't old enough to get paid. I had the pleasure of caddying for 14-year-old amateur Aree Wongluekiet. When I originally took the assignment (I would call it a "job," but, again, a job requires pay), I told myself I would try to avoid writing about the Thai teen sensation and her equally talented twin sister, Naree. When Aree finished the first round tied for the lead with Dottie Pepper, I had a feeling my intentions would change. Then, when Aree had held on to a share of the lead after the second round, I knew I had no choice but to write about my week with this charming and talented little girl.
Thanks to someone who is in 10th grade, I was part of the final group for the first time this year. It was hard to fathom. Everything you may have heard about the Wongluekiets' talent isn't exactly the truth. They are actually better than they are given credit for being, and they have the kind of charisma and drive that will make them the next superstars of the LPGA. On Wednesday, the two, who attend the David Leadbetter Academy in Bradenton, Fla., practiced on a range that was right in front of a sign that said: "Professionals Only." No one could tell the difference. Their swings were textbook and their practice routines should be the envy of the LPGA tour. For three hours straight they didn't complain once -- even though Naree did sneak to the locker room to watch the Olympics archery competition. Besides being well-rounded golfers, they are well-rounded and well-mannered young adults. It is a tribute to their father, In Jong, and mother, Varnee. The twins are 4.0 students in school. Aree's favorite subject is English, while Naree enjoys geometry and math. While it must be a thrill for a teenager to sign autographs and do interviews, these two are bombarded with what seems like never-ending requests. The Wongluekiets have never once said "no" or even given the look of disdain about it. I knew Aree was talented, but I never expected she would challenge for the title when the week started -- especially after the way she hit the ball during Thursday morning's practice round. She was hitting every which way but straight. She was playing so poorly it almost brought tears to her eyes. But after a long lesson with her coach, Jonathan Yarwood, she was back in the groove, joking around and giving me a hard time -- just like the little sister I never wanted. On Friday she was as cool as the other side of the pillow. When low scores where scarce because of the blustery conditions, Aree started out with two birdies and acted if she were playing a high school match. She made a bogey on the next hole and became a bit unraveled. But like a poised veteran, she bounced right back to make two more birdies down the stretch and wasfinished tied for the lead. A 69 in the first round of an LPGA event when only six other players were under par? It's quite amazing, considering Aree has two more years before she can legally drive a car. On Saturday morning, she showed her inexperience as nerves got the best of her. She started out with three bogeys on the first three holes but incredibly kept her composure. On the fourth tee, I decided it was time for a pep talk. I said to her, "Even though you just bogeyed the first three holes you can still win this tournament." Her big brown eyes widened and she just responded with a sheepish grin, "You are right. I can still win." And just like that, she was focused again. It didn't matter to her that she was playing with Pepper, who has 16 career victories, or Mi Hyun Kim, who was the Rookie of the Year last year and would eventually win the tournament. Aree felt like she belonged. And honestly, she did belong. To be truthful, the pep talk was a little far-fetched. But by the end of the day she had me believing she could pull of this unbelievable feat. While Aree would falter on Sunday, finishing tied for 13th, she learned that she has what it takes to play on the LPGA. Her sister, too, is just as gifted, even though Naree missed the cut by one shot. While they don't know when they are going to turn pro, the tour had better be prepared. I agreed to caddie for Aree because of my love of the game. Over the past couple of years, caddying had lost its luster for me. But after a week with a girl who has a smile that would brighten even a cloudy day, and who has a swing that would make Ben Hogan proud, I feel rejuvenated. While you won't see me carrying doubles in a pro-am or anything, I will work any time Aree or Naree call because there is nothing like having a front-row seat to watch one, or two, of the most talented players in the game.
Tom Hanson, a regular contributor to Sports Illustrated's Golf Plus section, is a longtime caddie on the LPGA Tour. Click here to send him a question or comment. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer.
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