In the steamy climes of Hua Hin, Thailand, the Black Mountain Championship unfurled a riveting tale of resilience and ambition.
Here at the lush spreads of the Black Mountain Golf Club, where the stakes were as high as the spirits, Pierre-Henri Soero, a former tour pro turned CrossFit warrior, stormed the leaderboard.
His spectacular eight-under-par 64 tied him with the likes of CharngTai Sudsom from Thailand, Liu Yanwei of China, and Australia’s Todd Sinnott.
This robust return to The International Series wasn’t just a walk down memory lane for Soero—it was a flex of muscle memory and mental fortitude.
Soero, who’s no stranger to the rigorous demands of professional golf, shared, “I used to make my living on courses just like this, grinding out 25 events a year.
But here I am, turning my vacation with my wife into a leaderboard-topping performance—it’s all about staying mentally fit.”
The now 41-year-old, based in Florida, juggles his time training others in CrossFit, where he has excelled in the global arena multiple times.
His day at Black Mountain was nearly flawless, marred only by a strategic bogey on the last—a testament to his resilient mindset and tactical play.
Meanwhile, CharngTai and Liu found rhythm and confidence, each carding eight birdies in a synchronized display of precision and camaraderie.
“Today was about finding a groove early and keeping things simple,” CharngTai commented, hopeful about his prospects as he fights to climb from 85th in the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Liu, who secured his tour card through sheer grit at this year’s Qualifying School, echoed the sentiment of a collective strength, saying, “Our group was twenty-under combined—no bogeys, just solid, encouraging golf.”
The championship also spotlighted emerging talents like Santiago De la Fuente. Fresh from clinching the Latin America Amateur Championship, the young Mexican shot a commendable 65, positioning himself among seasoned players like India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Korea’s Chanmin Jung.
John Catlin, leading the charge in both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings, concluded the day with a 69, which sees him tied for 58th place but still very much a figure of influence in the series.
The International Series is more than just a collection of tournaments—it’s a crucible where seasoned professionals and spirited newcomers forge their paths under the relentless Asian sun.
For more updates and insights into the lives and games of these remarkable athletes, visit The International Series official site.
