Being lost in translation was not something that held Denise St. Pierre or Katie Futcher back from great golf. If anything, it ended up being an advantage for them. Over the summer St. Pierre, the Penn State women's golf coach, and Futcher, a former Penn State golfer, traveled to Thailand to take part in the World University Games.

Pierre was picked as the U.S. team's head coach and said she credits her selection to knowing and being around the sport of golf. She is the president of the National Golf Association.

"It was a wonderful experience and a highlight of coaching," Pierre said.

Five players from top college programs joined Futcher, a spring 2003 graduate, on the team. The women were picked based on their rankings during their collegiate careers. They also had to be United States citizens and had to have competed with in the last six months.

"It was great, an unbelievable and fun experience," Futcher said. "The people were so hospitable. The girls were great and we had great representation."

The Games were played in Korat, Thailand, at the par-72 Voyage Panorama Golf Course on the campus of Suranaree University of Technology. The tournament was held from Aug. 1-6, 2004.

The course is in a mountain-rimmed valley, which contributes to its many hills and is often breezy.

"The course was very challenging and in wonderful shape," St. Pierre said. "The views were exceptional. It was extremely hilly, which provided some interesting kicks and bounces from tee shots."

There is water on the course, but it did not affect play too much. The 10th hole was especially difficult, forcing players to hit over a valley and cross the face of a hill to a blind green.

"The hole was cut into the side of a mountain and you had to hit over rocks," Futcher said. "It was too narrow for a driver but almost too short for a 3-wood. The greens were so much faster than I expected them to be."

The tournament was played in four rounds and had 15 countries competing. The U.S. won the tournament by one shot and clinched the title when Futcher won the second playoff hole to win the individual title. She beat out Porani Chutichai from Thailand with a round of 6-over.

Thailand, finished second by one shot and China finished third. It was the first time since 1992 that the U.S. won.

"It was a good win," Futcher said. "I represented myself and the U.S. well."

Along with playing golf, the U.S. team was given a tour of the surrounding country by a group of student ambassadors.

"It was difficult over seas, much different with people who didn't speak English at all," St. Pierre said. "The students did a good job helping us to communicate. People were extremely were welcoming."

The team spent time at the soap factories and pottery markets, which are big manufacturers in Thailand.

They also spent time in Bangkok, which is bigger than New York. They were able to experience the culture along with the various temples and palaces.

"My only regret is that I didn't ride an elephant," St. Pierre said.

However, they did get to experience many different things.

"We didn't get to see much in Bangkok, but the food is fantastic," said Futcher, who keeps in touch with some golfers in Thailand.

Futcher credits her playing well to having her collegiate coach there with her.

"Denise is like my second mom," Futcher said. "She's peaceful and calming, along with being comforting to my play."

"I knew her game so well," St. Pierre said. "Katie is a disciplined player with a competitive spirit, and you can't teach that."

This was the World University Games' 10th year. The tournament is played every two years and will be in Italy in 2006.