Angkor Golf Resort 2014 Asian Golf Awards

Amish Jaitha of India takes Angkor Amateur Open title

Mon, 11 August 2014

H S Manjunath

Siem Reap 

 

One of India’s top non-professionals in 1999, Amish Jaitha, relived in bits and parts that old touch to produce steady rounds of 71 and 72 to emerge as the 2014 Angkor Amateur Open golf champion at the Sir Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap yesterday.

Now pursuing his family business of textiles in the Vietnamese city of Hanoi, Jaitha is the sixth new winner in the scroll of honour as he swept past three previous winners in the field – Ly Hong, Don Bland and Michael Moir.

“This is my first trip to Cambodia. I hadn’t won anything big for a long time and it was sweet,” Jaitha told the Post after receiving the glittering trophy and a host of other goodies as reward for his triumph from AGRs director of golf David Baron.
When he went out as the overnight leader with four birdies and three bogeys in his first round, Jaitha was up against a scorching sun and a bunch of players swooping on his slender lead.

Indian golfer Amish Jaitha hits a shot off the fairway on his way to winning the Angkor Amateur Open at the Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap yesterday. Photo Supplied

“I had taken a few risks in the first round. But I decided to stick to my game plan and told myself that it is fairway green, fairway green and putts will drop,” added Jaitha.
It was at the par-five 13 that the heat of the contest alerted the Indian to be cautious and cut out the spectacular when defending champion Moir of Scotland fired an eagle to put pressure on the leader.
Jaitha’s response was swift and solid. He came up with a birdie on the next to retain the momentum and rode it home without much anxiety the rest of the way. His three birdies wiped out as many bogeys for a round of even par that was good enough to save the gravy.

“I think that birdie putt on the 14th was crucial because I had this feeling that, though I led, the rest were closing in,” said Jaitha, who clinched the title with the lowest total score of the annual competition’s five-year history.
After his championship hopes faded out, left-handed Cambodian Ly Hong, who was aiming to regain the title he had won in 2012, picked up as some consolation the top prize in Division A, which was decided on combined Stable-ford points.

His two-round 77 took him ahead of Britain’s Paul McNally and Singaporean Eddie Cho, who both finished at 76 and were separated on a six-hole countback.
Cambodia’s Tan Savun was the clear winner of Division B with 78 points while South Korea’s Kim Key Hoing topped Division C with 75 points.

The biggest ever field of 18 in the women’s event saw Gilda Madestomas of the Philippines lead all the way to her first significant victory since she took up the game in 1998. Rounds of 82 and 81 netted Madestomas 76 points, giving her a comfortable victory margin over Singapore’s Ho Ping Lian Mimi, who finished with 73.

“This is my best score and I am very happy. This is my first visit to Cambodia and it was fun. I liked the course and I would like to get back,” Madestomas told the Post.
Australian professional Scott Hend, the longest hitter on the Asian Tour and runner up in 2013’s Order of Merit, brought star value again this year to the showpiece.

He conducted a private clinic on pitching, chipping, putting and bunker play for the benefit of participants during Friday’s practice sessions and followed it up with a free clinic the next day.
“It is fun. The course is challenging and I feel good to be here,” said Hend.

Some of the players also pitched in for a worthy cause by taking part in the nearest-to-the-pin charity contest to raise funds for the Treak Community Center, which is situated about 4 kilometres from Siem Reap, serving families living in extreme poverty.

The centre, the motto of which is “Creating opportunities, not dependency”, carries out several social programs such as English classes, nursery, library, IT classes, microfinance projects, building projects and a community garden.
At the end of the prize distribution, Baron made a solemn announcement about the recent passing away of Emmet McHenry, a keen and a popular player in Cambodian golfing circles.

 

Record turnout for Amateur Open

Fri, 8 August 2014

H S Manjunath

The sixth annual Angkor Amateur Open teeing off tomorrow at the Sir Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap has been fully subscribed, surpassing last year’s record turnout.
The strongest field of 126 ever assembled for the Kingdom’s blue-ribbon amateur golf event includes three past winners – American Don Bland, Cambodian Ly Hong and reigning champion Michael Moir of Scotland.

With players from 17 countries to swing into action, the race for the overall title will be as fierce as it will be exciting. Left-hander Ly Hong will lead the local charge in the company of 16 compatriots as he tries to recapture the title he won in 2012.
The talk of the contest is American Eddie Cho, who has a handicap of 2 and will be hoping to make that form count.

Scotland’s Michael Moir will attempt to defend his Angkor Amateur Open title this weekend at the Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap. PHOTO SUPPLIED

 

Division A has its strength in depth, with a dozen players holding handicaps ranging from 0 to 5 and 30 more players with handicaps below 8.
The largest group of 44 players falling into the 11-19 handicap bracket will contest Division B, while 22 players figure in Division C.
The women’s event has attracted a record 18 players, and all of a very competitive standard. Phnom Penh resident Aim Guilfoyle is among those fancied for the title, in a field filled with a number of seasoned Singaporean players.

The star attraction once again will be Australian professional Scott Hend, who will conduct a clinic for the benefit of the players during today’s practice session.
After a record 2013 season on the Asian Tour, Hend finished second on last year’s Order of Merit, claiming three titles and racking up a whopping $600,000 in prize money along the way.
“It is a mark of the stature of both the venue and the event that the Australian pro has always been eager to get back to AGR,” resort director of golf David Baron told the Post yesterday.
“In return for the hospitality shown, Hend is a willing ambassador for Siem Reap golf tourism while travelling the world on the professional circuit.”

He added: “I am delighted by the turnout and response we’ve had this year. In recent years the event has become well established and continues to grow each year.
“The Amateur Open is a professionally organised tournament on a world class course but we also focus heavily on ensuring the over-all hospitality and guest experience is memorable.
“We want guests to have fond memories of Cambodia when they return home and encourage their friends to visit the Kingdom,” added Baron, who is a member of the British PGA.

In addition to numerous value-added perks included in the player’s package, there are over $10,000 worth of prizes to compete for. These range from luxury all-inclusive golf holidays to Vietnam, Bali and Malaysia to an array of top-end golf equipment and goodies.
Away from the heat of the battle, also on the program is the Charity Challenge, with all donations going to a local charity organisation in Siem Reap province.
 

Big field for Angkor Open

Wed, 16 July 2014

H S Manjunath

This year’s Angkor Amateur Golf Open is set to get bigger and better than ever before with the August 9-10 event at the Sir Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap almost fully subscribed, well before the entry deadline two weeks from now.

The expected line-up of 128 players will be a reflection of the event’s growing popularity among international amateur golf adventurers and Siem Reap’s global appeal as an exciting tourism sport destination.
“With a growing field of international players, it is important that we continue to enhance the event each year, and this year will be no different,” AGR director of golf David Baron told the Post yesterday.

Australian professional golfer Scott Hend is set to be the star attraction at the Angkor Amateur Golf Open on August 9-10 at the Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap. AFP

“We are delighted to have teamed up with a growing number of prestigious sponsors and partners this year, including our long-term, loyal supporters. “We must express our gratitude to Tiger Beer for once again being the lead sponsor and exclusive beer during the tournament and gala dinner.
“This is something the competitors very much look forward to,” he added.

Major golfing brands such as Titleist and Taylormade have shown their support this year along with Fenix Golf and Malaysia’s leading golf retail distributor Transview Golf, adding a number of attractive prizes. Johnnie Walker also makes a return to the Cambodian golf scene by coming forward to support the event.

The weekend’s star attraction will be the return of the big hitting Australian professional Scott Hend, who finished second on the Asian Tour money list last year.
After a good run on the Asian and European tour, Hend will once again challenge the risk for reward Faldo course at AGR, sharing some golf time and experience with the competitors.
Players can challenge the Australian pro on par-3 holes and also benefit from his complimentary golf clinic.

The event will also be loaded with fun and entertainment for the players. The AGR has teamed up with the immensely talented and popular Phare Cambodian Circus, whose artists will showcase their skills during the weekend.
On the top of this exciting show, the players will also be treated to some lilting music by one of the Kingdom’s most sought after eight-piece band, CamboJam.

Thai student fires record 66 on way to Faldo Series honours

Mon, 14 July 2014

H S Manjunath

 

Thailand’s rising star Putt Sridama shot a blistering second round 66 to set a new course record at the Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap yesterday, on his way to the overall championship in the Cambodian leg of the Faldo Series Asia, hosted by the Kingdom for the third straight year.
“I was very lucky today especially with my long putts,” said Sridama, who remained absolutely cool and calm on the links as he craftily poached seven birdies in that record score.

Faldo Series Asia Cambodia champion Putt Sridama of Thailand collects his winner's medal from Angkor Golf Resort director David Baron yesterday. Photo supplied

 

 

His only blemish, if it can be called that, was a bogey in an otherwise spotless day that followed his rather sedate first round 73.
Sridama’s 36-hole total of 139 netted the 10th-grade student both the U16 Boys title and the overall championship ahead of his compatriot Korapat Dhanvarjor, who produced a fiery 69 on the top his first round 74 for a two-round 143.

The two totally dominated an 11-player all-Thailand field to book their places in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen next March.
“I am looking forward to Mission Hills. I played there last year. It is a very difficult course, but I hope to do well this year,” Sridama, who has an impressive +2 handicap, told the Post.

Last year’s overall champion in Cambodia, Watcharasit Trachuentong of Thailand, had to rest content with the U21 Boys title. He carded 74 and 76 for a combined 150 that gave him victory by just one stroke over Channut Buntavong in a field of only four players, including two Cambodians, Thong Sokhamony and Peou Pichmeta, both of whom finished well behind the Thai pair.

However, there was still a silver lining in that dark cloud for Sokhamony, who managed to get a ticket to the Mission Hills Grand Final gave the best performance among the Cambodian trio in the fray, which also included 14-year-old Tevy Saroueun in the girls category.
A good second-round performance of 81 took Sokhamony to a 168 total, which was the closest to the winning score within his group.

The combined U16 and U18 Girls event produced a tight finish with the Thai pair of Kanokwan Yoddamnern and Jidapa Phongthanachalitkun tied with identical rounds of 72 and 71 for a total of 143. But a superior back nine score helped Yoddamnern pick up the top prize, though both of them qualified for the Asia Grand Final.
Meanwhile, South Korean 10-year-old Jang Chongwi bagged the youngest competitor recognition award.
AGR director of golf David Baron, who distributed the trophies to the qualifiers, earlier in the day conducted a grassroots clinic for 18 boys and girls from local charity organisation Build Your Future Today.
 

Three locals in fray for Faldo Series honours

Thu, 10 July 2014

HS Manjunath

Young golfers from six countries will compete for a spot in next year’s Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills in China when the third edition of the Cambodian leg of the Faldo Series Asia tees off this Saturday at the award-winning Sir Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap.
Split into three different categories this year, the 25 golfers in the fray – 17 boys and eight girls – will vie for five Mission Hills tickets on offer.

Sir Nick Faldo will offer at least one Cambodian a place in his Series Asia Grand Final next year in China. AFP

The winner of the Boys U21 group and two qualifiers each from the Boys U16 and Girls sections based on the best 36 hole gross score will be eligible to take part in the ninth Asia Grand Final, which is a world amateur golf ranking event.
As a special gesture, six-time Major winner Faldo has offered a place in the Grand Final for the best performing Cambodian among the three in contention this year irrespective of their order of finish.
While Sokhamony Thong and Pich Meta will represent Cambodia in the Boys U21 category, 14-year-old Tevy Sareoun is among the eight contestants in the Girls competition.

It may be recalled that a similar special offer had been made to Cambodia’s lone competitor Seng Vanseiha in 2012 despite him finishing down the field. But for personal reasons the youngster could not make the trip.
“We hope to build on the success of the last two years and benefit more young golfers from Cambodia and neighbouring countries,” AGR director of golf David Baron told the Post yesterday.
Thailand heads the list of entries with 15. The others in the field are three Cambodians, three South Koreans and one each from Malaysia and the United States. Interestingly, there are also a pair of twins from New Zealand of Cambodian lineage.

The first round tees off at 9am on Saturday with the final round beginning at 8:30am on Sunday.
The 2013/2014 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 22 tournaments in 18 countries, including four in mainland China, two in India and others in the Philippines, Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand. Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia are new additions to the ever growing list of Faldo Series venues.

The series is supported by The R&A, ISPS Handa and Mission Hills and is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation.
In keeping with the Faldo Series’ convention of encouraging grassroots development alongside top class competitive experience, the AGR will be organising a clinic for 20 students from the Siem Reap-based charity organisation Build Your Future Today (BFT).
Founded by a Khmer Rouge survivor, BFT is working to make life better for the locals.

Faldo to cast eye on locals

Wed, 28 May 2014 
HS Manjunath

Six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo will be watching closely the performances of local golfers, particularly teenagers Tevy Saroeun and Thong Sokhamony, who are expected to lead the Cambodian charge in the third edition of the Faldo Series Asia event lined up for Siem Reap’s Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort from July 11 to 13.

“I take enormous pride in helping the game take-off in non-traditional golfing nations. Seeing golf grow in popularity in Cambodia is tremendously rewarding for everyone involved in the Faldo Series,” said Sir Nick in a communication released to the Post on Monday.
“I’m greatly encouraged by the progress we have witnessed over the past two years since we launched the Faldo Series Cambodia Championship and I’ll be following closely the performances of the local players.”

Thong Sokhamony will lead the local challenge in the Faldo Series Cambodia Championship. PHOTO SUPPLIED

In the girls section, 14-year-old Tevy Saroeun, being talked about as a fast emerging talent, is bound to garner lot of attention while Cambodian hopes among the boys will be pinned on 18-year-old Thong Sokhamony.

“I have strong hopes that Saroeun or Sokhamony can make the breakthrough for Cambodia this year by qualifying for the Grand Final. It would be a reward for the effort that they have put into their games,” said AGR’s director of golf David Baron. “Supporting junior golf is an underlying goal of ours, which is why we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Faldo Series Asia by once again hosting the event,” he added.

Players from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and New Zealand, apart from local players, made up last year’s field. Though players from the Asia-Pacific region are expected to make the bulk of this year’s field, the event organisers are hopeful of an uptake in local participation.
For the first time, Cambodian juniors will be invited to take part in an unofficial age category so as to help them get valuable competitive experience.
A grass-roots clinic, which is almost an integral part of a Faldo Series event, affords the local student community the best chance to enjoy an introduction to golf.

AGR to host Faldo Series on July 11-14

Wed, 7 May 2014

HS Manjunath

Sir Nick Faldo’s global junior golf development initiative, the Faldo Series, which was launched 18 years ago, returns to Cambodia on July 11-14 at Siem Reap’s Angkor Golf Resort, which ranks among one of the best courses the six-time Major winner has designed all round the world.
In 2012, the Kingdom was brought into the Faldo Series network, which involves 40 tournaments in 30 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 young golfers taking part each year.

Sim You Wei of Malaysia hits a bunker shot during the Cambodian leg of the 2012 Faldo Series at the Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap. Photo: Sreng Meng Srun

 
The different category winners from each leg will gather for the grand finale at Mission Hills Golf Club in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in March next year.
Amateur golfers aged between 12 and 21 are eligible to play to the Faldo Series event, which has a handicap limit of 28. The last date for entries is July 5.

Boys and girls born between 1993 and 2002 of any nationality can enter for a fee of $70.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Faldo Series Asia event and host the Cambodian qualifying leg,” Angkor Golf Resort director of golf David Baron told the Post yesterday.
“Supporting any form of junior golf is an underlying goal of ours. The field will be made up of international junior players from the [Asia-Pacific] region and hopefully we can see an increased number of local participants this year.”

Baron is a member of the British PGA, who spends much of his spare time conducting free coaching classes for juniors and students in Siem Reap.
“I have strong hopes that one or both of our leading Cambodian players can make the breakthrough this year and qualify for the grand final,” said Baron. “This would be a timely reward for the effort that they have put into their games.”
One such player is Sokha Mony, who was a member of the triumphant Cambodia team at the recently held FCC Nations Cup.

Baron noted that this year, the Angkor Golf Resort would also be inviting Cambodian juniors to take part in an unofficial age category in order for them to gain valuable experience.
“The grassroots clinic will also continue. This is where we invite several local schools along to enjoy an introduction to golf,” he added.
For entry details for the Faldo Series in Cambodia, phone 063 767 688 or email info@angkor-golf.com or go to www.angkor-golf.com.

Ly Hong lands Liberty Cup

Wed, 12 March 2014, 
HS Manjunath

Cambodia’s leading amateur golfer Ly Hong won the second edition of the winner-takes-all 2014 Liberty Cup after a two-round 78 gross score in the Stableford tournament which concluded at the Sir Nick Faldo-
designed Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap yesterday.
The left-handed Ly Hong, who had represented Cambodia in both the 2011 SEA Games and the 2010 Asian Games, shot a one-over-par 73 to lead the field in the first round which was played at the Phokeethra Country Club on Monday.

Cambodia’s Ly Hong clinched the 2014 Liberty Cup in Siem reap yesterday. Photo Supplied

He handily kept the lead by firing an identical score at the AGR for a tally of 78 points under the fixed Stableford point system. The long-driving Ly Hong placed great importance on his short game and putting. “I’m very happy to have participated in Liberty Cup for the second year in a row. I really enjoyed myself and have built good relationship with other participants,” the 42 year old told the Post. “Second shots are very important, especially [at the] Angkor Golf Resort, and they turned out well for me.”

The Kingdom’s cup of joy overflowed after a similarly sounding Lee Hong emerged as the men’s nett winner, even as the 2013 champion Alex Yap of Malaysia could only finish third.
As many as 14 local golfers were in a field of 88 drawn from Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The event was jointly organised by Malaysia’s Liberty Golf Services and Cambodia-based PSD travel.

The 2013 Carlsberg Golf Classic champion Roszali Baharuddin of Malaysia finished tied for 11th. “It’s my first time to Cambodia and it’s an amazing country. My deepest gratitude to Carlsberg Malaysia for sponsoring me to participate in this great event,” he told the Post.
Meanwhile, Lillian Wong of Malaysia became the first women’s champion with a two-round score of 69 in a field that included eight of her compatriots.

The organisers invited BFT, a Siem Reap-based children’s charity organisation for a charity drive – a hole-in-one competition. While the kids enjoyed the golfing bit, they also entertained the tournament participants to a grand dance performance.
The key partners to the Liberty Cup were Transview Golf, Titoni, Carlsberg, RHB Bank, Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club, Casillero del Diablo and Vittel.

Faldo Series Asia gets set for return to Siem Reap course

Thu, 20 February 2014

HS Manjunath

Siem Reap’s Angkor Golf Resort, which carries six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo’s creative imprint, will host the Cambodian leg of the Faldo Series Asia in either the last week of June or the first week of July.
After two successful seasons, the event returns to the Kingdom, which features among 14 countries hosting 19 tournaments through the year as British legend Faldo continues to paint a global picture for youth golf.

Thailand's Watcharasit Trachuentong plays during the 2012 Faldo Series Cambodia championship at Angkor Golf Resort. photo by Sreng Meng Srun

Apart from Cambodia, the 2013/2014 cycle includes events in mainland China (four), India (two), the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand.
Traditionally the series concludes at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China, with the Asia Grand Final which is a world amateur golf ranking event.

The Faldo Series Asia is supported by The R&A, ISPS Handa and Mission Hills. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation.
Meanwhile, 70 of the most promising junior golfers in Asia and five winners from the 2013 Faldo Seires Grand Final at The Greenbrier in West Virginia will reach Mission Hills for the Eighth Asia Grand Final set for March 11-13.

“Last March, Luo Xue-Wen was crowned our first Chinese champion at the end of a landmark week for golf in China, where we also celebrated Guan Tianlang’s trip to Augusta,” Faldo said in a statement made available to the Post.
“I always look forward to returning to Mission Hills. It is their support, together with The R&A and ISPS Handa, which allows us to bring opportunity to the finalists and thousands of young Asian golfers each year.”

Established in 1996, 40 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 30 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

This September, Sir Nick will begin taking students at a full-time residential academy for education and golf development in the United States. The first ever Faldo Series Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona, is also home to the Faldo Series USA and marks the next significant step in the programme’s history.