Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open tees off today

Dec 11th, 2008
AsiaGolfOnline.com

The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will start today at the the Phokeethra Country Club, with a promise of continuing the growth of golf in Cambodia.

Organisers are confident that the US$300,000 Asian Tour event will once again provide the platform for aspiring amateurs to make an impact at the highly rated Phokheetra Country Club and continue to place Cambodia firmly on the international golfing map.

Defending champion Bryan Saltus of the United States has vowed to make the best of his defence at this week’s US$300,000 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open, despite not being in the best of form.

The colourful American was painfully forced out of last month’s Barclays Singapore Open after dislocating his right knee on the first hole, raising doubts about his ability to defend his title at the Phokeethra Country Club this week.

Asian Tour’s Senior Vice President Gerry Norquist believes that the staging of Cambodia’s national championship bodes well for the future of golf in such developing countries and will act as a launch pad for exciting talents to emerge.

“We are truly excited about the return of the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open as this event will not only provide the inspiration for Cambodians to learn more about the game but also allow them follow in the footsteps of our Asian Tour professionals,” said Norquist.

As the second from last ranking event on the 2008 Asian Tour season, the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will also shape the race for the prestigious Asian Tour Order of Merit title which is currently led by Mark Brown of New Zealand.

The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open is the only international golf tournament to be held in the Kingdom of Cambodia and is part of a record 2008 Asian Tour schedule where an unprecedented 30 tournaments with nearly US$40 million are on offer.

Didier Lamoot, General Manager of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort & Phokeethra Country Club said: “We truly enjoyed being a part of history last year with the staging of the inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open and will continue to assist in laying the concerted effort to push the game to continue its growth in our country.”

Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open returns to Phokeethra Country Club

Nov 23rd, 2008
Asia Golf Online

The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will mark its return to the Phokeethra Country Club from December 11 to 14 with a promise of continuing the growth of golf in Cambodia.

Organisers are confident that the US$300,000 Asian Tour event will once again provide the platform for aspiring amateurs to make an impact at the highly rated Phokheetra Country Club and continue to place Cambodia firmly on the international golfing map.

Asian Tour’s Senior Vice President Gerry Norquist believes that the staging of Cambodia’s national championship bodes well for the future of golf in such developing countries and will act as a launch pad for exciting talents to emerge.

“We are truly excited about the return of the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open as this event will not only provide the inspiration for Cambodians to learn more about the game but also allow them follow in the footsteps of our Asian Tour professionals,” said Norquist.

As the second from last ranking event on the 2008 Asian Tour season, the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will also shape the race for the prestigious Asian Tour Order of Merit title which is currently led by Mark Brown of New Zealand.

Defending champion Bryan Saltus of the United States who secured his maiden triumph at last year’s inaugural event will undoubtedly be amongst the contenders again.

The colorful American celebrated his victory by jumping into the lake next to the 18th green after his final putt last year.

The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open is the only international golf tournament to be held in the Kingdom of Cambodia and is part of a record 2008 Asian Tour schedule where an unprecedented 30 tournaments with nearly US$40 million are on offer.

Didier Lamoot, General Manger of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort & Phokeethra Country Club said: “We truly enjoyed being a part of history last year with the staging of the inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open and will continue to assist in laying the concerted effort to push the game to continue its growth in our country.”

Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open To Return In December

September 10th, 2008
BunkerShot.com

The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will mark its return to the Phokeethra Country Club from December 11 to 14 with a promise of continuing the growth of golf in Cambodia.

Organisers are confident that the US$300,000 Asian Tour event will once again provide the platform for aspiring amateurs to make an impact at the highly rated Phokheetra Country Club and continue to place Cambodia firmly on the international golfing map.

Asian Tour’s Senior Vice President Gerry Norquist believes that the staging of Cambodia’s national championship bodes well for the future of golf in such developing countries and will act as a launch pad for exciting talents to emerge.

“We are truly excited about the return of the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open as this event will not only provide the inspiration for Cambodians to learn more about the game but also allow them follow in the footsteps of our Asian Tour professionals,” said Norquist.

As the second from last ranking event on the 2008 Asian Tour season, the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will also shape the race for the prestigious Asian Tour Order of Merit title which is currently led by Mark Brown of New Zealand.

Defending champion Bryan Saltus of the United States who secured his maiden triumph at last year’s inaugural event will undoubtedly be amongst the contenders again.

The colorful American celebrated his victory by jumping into the lake next to the 18th green after his final putt last year.

The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open is the only international golf tournament to be held in the Kingdom of Cambodia and is part of a record 2008 Asian Tour schedule where an unprecedented 30 tournaments with nearly US$40 million are on offer.

Didier Lamoot, General Manger of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort & Phokeethra Country Club said: “We truly enjoyed being a part of history last year with the staging of the inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open and will continue to assist in laying the concerted effort to push the game to continue its growth in our country.”

American Saltus wins first golf tournament at Cambodian Open

Bryan Saltus of the U.S. holds the trophy on the podium after winning the Cambodian Open golf tournament in Siem Reap December 2, 2007. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Siem Reap (AsianTour.com) - American ace Bryan Saltus secured his maiden Asian Tour title at the Cambodian Open after a solid five-under-par 67 in the final round on Sunday.

Saltus reaped the rewards of his new putter this week firing six birdies against a lone bogey for a winning total of 17-under-par 271 at the esteemed Phokeethra Country Club.

The 36-year-old champion walked away with the top prize of US$47,550 and rose up to 30th place on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit.

"This is awesome. I would like to dedicate this win to Grateful Dead as they have inspired me all the way. Siem Reap is right up my alley so I've enjoyed my time on and off the course this week," said Saltus, who is an avid Grateful Dead fan having been to 153 concerts.

Overnight leader Adam Groom of Australia posted a 71 to claim lone second spot as he finished three strokes behind the winner in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event. Thai duo of Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat recorded matching 70s to claim joint third position after a 277 total

Thanks to a new Gel putter which he picked up this week, Saltus got off to a flying start chalking up three birdies in his first three holes. He extended his lead with a birdie on the 10th and ended his captivating run with a final birdie on the 17th hole.

"My putting has been the winning formula this week. It's also nice to be one stroke off the lead coming into the final round as all eyes would be on the leader and not me.

"I had a good start with three birdies and my confidence carried on after that. I told my caddie (Phal Savern) that if I win, I would buy her a motorbike and now that I've done it, I will get her a brand new motorbike," said the Californian based golfer, who started playing on the Asian Tour since 2004. He picked up the game at the age of 10 and has a trusty self taught golf swing.

"I've enjoyed my time on the Asian Tour and it's really great to be the winner of Cambodia's first ever professional golf event. I will definitely be looking forward to my return next year," added Saltus, who drenched himself in celebration by jumping into the water next to the 18th hole after his final par putt.

Despite a slow final round performance with five birdies against four bogeys, Groom was pleased with his overall result at the lengthy par 7,226 yards par 27 course.

"It's been a good week for me. I've shot four rounds under par which was something I couldn't do all year until this week. It was a tough day out there and catching Bryan was going to be difficult with the form he was in today. But all credit to Bryan for his win this week," said Groom.

Malaysia's Danny Chia posted a 67 for his best finish this season in joint fifth spot alongside Korea's Kang Ji-man who shot a 66. Chapchai Nirat of Thailand ended his campaign with a 73 to claim tied eighth position together with England's Yasin Ali who was even-par for the day.

"My overall game was steady this week but I couldn't really sustain it throughout 18 holes. I am not disappointed with my result. I was tired the entire week and hung in there to finish in the top-10 which was my target," said Chapchai, who climbed up to second spot on the UBS Order of Merit ranking after earning US$7,065 for his efforts this week.
------- Leading final round scores

271 - Bryan Saltus (USA) 66-67-71-67
274 - Adam Groom (AUS) 65-68-70-71
277 - Prom Meesawat (THA) 69-69-69-70, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 70-70-67-70
278 - Danny Chia (MAS) 74-68-69-67, Kang Ji-man (KOR) 74-70-68-66
279 - Anthony Kang (USA) 67-69-71-72
280 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 68-71-68-73, Yasin Ali (ENG) 72-68-68-72
281 - Harmeet Kahlon (IND) 69-69-73-70
282 - Jerome Delariarte (PHI) 70-72-70-70, Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 70-69-73-70
283 - Atthaphon Prathummanee (THA) 74-72-69-68, Guido Van Der Valk (NLD) 77-68-70-68, Michael Hoey (IRL) 70-73-69-71, Peter Karmis (RSA) 72-70-71-70, Boonchu Ruangkit (THA) 69-72-69-73

Cambodia's Golfers Tee Off in Tournament

By Vong Dara, VOA Khmer
Original report from Siem Reap
29 November 2007

The Johnnie Walker Cambodia Open golf tournament got underway Thursday, after a tee off from Prime Minister Hun Sen in what he called a "historic event."

The 150-player, $300,000 Asian Tour tournament is being held in Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat.

"On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Cambodian people, I would like to express my warmest welcome to all 150 professionals from 25 countries, and Phokheetra Country Club, which has organized this historic event," Hun Sen said.

"Our organizing of the event is to show our pride, honor and ability, as, for one, golf is quite a new sport in Cambodia, and, second, we don't have professional athletes," said Nim Sowath, an amateur golfer.

George Orwell's Animal Farm in true life: Capitalist pastime for former communist Khmer Rouge soldiers

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen claps during the opening ceremony of Johnnie Walker golf tournament in Siem Reap provincial about 230 kilometers (143 miles) northwest of the Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007. Hun Sen teed off the first ball of the inaugural US$300,000 (euro203,430) tournament at the recently opened Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap province, Cambodia's main tourist hub. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen tees off at the opening ceremony in Siem Reap provincial about 230 kilometers (143 miles) northwest of the Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007. Hun Sen teed off the first ball of the inaugural US$300,000 (euro203,430) tournament at the recently opened Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap province, Cambodia's main tourist hub. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

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Cambodian Open launch in Siem Reap

November 26, 2007
Electric New Paper (Singapore)

THE inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open is poised for a historic launch when the event tees off at the Phokeethra Country Club on Thursday.

The US$300,000 ($432,000) Asian Tour event, which has the full backing of the Cambodian government, will be the first professional golf tournament in the emerging nation, where the aspiration is for a Cambodian golfer to some day lift the national Open.

A strong line-up of Asian Tour stars, led by Thai Thaworn Wiratchant, a former Asian No. 1 and holder of a record nine wins in the region, will compete at the Phokeethra Course, reported asiantour.com.


Other top names who will vie for the title include Thailand's Chapchai Nirat and Scotland's Simon Yates, both ranked in the top 10 of the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit.

The Phokeethra Country Club is steeped in the history of the region. Within its grounds stands the magnificent ancient 'Roluh' Bridge dating back to a Khmer empire in the 11th century and is older than the famous Angkor Wat, which is also located in Siem Reap.

Johnnie Walker's general manager (Indochina), Sam Fischer, said: 'We are very honoured to have this opportunity to work with the Phokeethra Country Club and Asian Tour on the Cambodian Open, and we look forward to watching some truly inspirational golf in Cambodia.

'Most of all, the tournament is a platform to promote the philosophy that lies at the heart of the Johnnie Walker brand: Keep Walking.

'This philosophy is about inspiring people to take the next step on their journey towards their goals.'

Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han said he was looking forward to the first Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open, which is one of six new events scheduled this season.

Cambodian Open offers launch pad for Asian amateurs

AFP

SIEM REAP, (Cambodia) October 17: Siem Reap will host the inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodia Open next month; the Asian Tour will provide a platform for aspiring amateurs in the region to make an impact. The November 29-December 2 event will be first professional golf tournament to be staged in Cambodia and amateurs from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, China and India will be invited.

"The game of golf continues to prosper in Asia and we are confident this tournament will act as a launch pad for exciting talents to emerge from Cambodia," Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han said.

"By inviting the leading amateurs from across the region, we believe that this experience and opportunity will enable an easier transition to professional ranks whenever they decide to make the next move in their careers."

The tournament at Phokheetra Country Club will have prize money of $300,000 dollars.

"With this event, we believe that it will show our commitment to the rest of the world our support for sports tourism in our country," said Cambodian Minister of Tourism Thong Khon.

Cambodians may die of famine, but Cambodia boasts 3 golf courses and will hold an international golf tournament soon

2007-07-16
Cambodia to host its first international golf tournament

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - The impoverished nation of Cambodia will host its first international golf tournament at a course near the famed Angkor temples, the Asian Tour announced Monday.

The inaugural US$300,000 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will be played at the newly opened Phokeethra Country Club, which is also a main tournament sponsor. The event, slated to run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 in the northwestern province of Siem Reap, is likely to draw many of Asia's top golfers, organizers said.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said the tournament, which is one of seven new events on the schedule this season, proved that the game was thriving in the region.

«The game continues to prosper in Asia and with a new initiative in Cambodia, our next plan of action will be to help new golfing nations to develop the game,» Han said.

«One of the best ways to attract new golfers is to expose them to international-class competitions and I believe the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will provide a launch pad for exciting talents to emerge from Cambodia,» he said.

Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon, present at Monday's ceremony in Siem Reap announcing the tournament, said it would boost tourism.

«When we have a golf tournament like this, we can show the world and all the tourists that we have something new for them at the Angkor Wat site,» he said. «Before, if golfers wanted to visit Angkor Wat, they were hesitant to come, but now they are happy to come to see the temples because they can see the temples and can play golf too.

Touted as the only international-standard course in Cambodia, Phokeethra is part of a campaign by the Cambodia government to boost its tourist revenues. The 18-hole, 72-par course is 23 kilometers (14 miles) outside Siem Reap town.

Cambodia now has three golf courses, including two near Phnom Penh, the capital. A fourth, also in Siem Reap, is under construction.

Tourism is a major foreign currency earner for cash-strapped Cambodia. There were 1.4 million foreign arrivals last year, with the largest number of visitors from South Korea, Japan and the United States. More than half of the tourists visited the Angkor temples.

Cambodia is one of the poorest in Asia, which is in part a legacy of the years when the communist Khmer Rouge ruled the country in the late 1970s, imposing radical communist policies that led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodian through execution, malnutrition, medical neglect and overwork.