Siem Reap, Cambodia: Junior golf development will be to the forefront when the fourth edition of the Faldo Series Cambodia Championship tees-off this weekend.
To be played over the award-winning, Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort course on June 13-14, the third leg of the 2015-16 Faldo Series Asia season has attracted entries from Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Thailand. However, it will be the performance of the Cambodian youngsters and the host club’s efforts to popularise the Royal and Ancient game that will capture local attention. Leading the challenge for Cambodia is Tevy Sareoun, who will be making her third consecutive appearance in the regional qualifying event that rewards its age-group winners with places in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be held at Mission Hills China next March.
Japan’s Yuki Kamasu, 21, receives his trophy from Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills on March 20. Photo supplied
David Baron, Director of Golf at the Siem Reap venue which is a Golf Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, said: “Tevy has been working hard on both her game and physical conditioning over the past 12 months and we wish her the best of luck.”
Baron said the opportunity for Tevy and her compatriots to compete in a tournament of the stature of the Faldo Series Cambodia Championship is critical to their progress.
“Since its inauguration in 2012, the Faldo Series Cambodia Championship has played a crucial role in helping to raise the profile of the Royal and Ancient game in a country where golf is still very much in its infancy,” he said.
Sir Nick Faldo, who will be present at the Grand Final, a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, said: “When we launched the Faldo Series Asia 10 years ago it was our hope not only to produce future champions but also to promote and develop the game in emerging golfing nations around Asia.
“I take tremendous pride in the fact that golf is starting to take off in Cambodia and that the course that I designed in Siem Reap is playing such a significant role in helping the game to grow.”
In the Angkor Golf Resort’s continuing attempts to spread the golfing gospel,Alan Martin, the club’s Head Professional, will conduct a clinic for competitors following the first round and will also stage a grassroots clinic for students of the nearby Family Care Centre located at the Phum Thnarl Primary School.
Baron said: “Junior golf development is something we feel strongly about and the Faldo Series provides a fantastic platform for talented junior golfers to develop and succeed in the game.
“This year we will be working very closely with the local community, schools and charity organisations with the goal of introducing Cambodian children to the game of golf.”
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2015-16 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months and will include a minimum of 21 events in 17 countries including, for the first time, Australia.
