Cambodian Open 2007 a Resounding Success |
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The Phokeethra Country Club has successfully hosted Cambodia's first professional golf tournament. Sponsored by Phokeethra and Johnnie Walker, the inaugural US$ 300,000 event took place from November 29 to December 2, 2007 and featured prominently on the Asian Tour Schedule. As the penultimate event of the 2007 Asian Tour, the region's best players battled it out for the coveted UBS Order of Merit trophy. |
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American ace Bryan Saltus secured his first Asian Tour title at the tournament after a solid five-under-par 67 in the final round on Sunday. 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.
"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," said the self-taught Saltus, who's been playing on the Asian Tour since 2004.
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Overnight leader Adam Groom of Australia posted a 71 to claim lone second spot as he finished three strokes behind the winner. Thai duo of Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat recorded matching 70s to claim joint third position after a 277 total. |
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Placing Cambodia and Phokeethra on the Map
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| The Cambodian Open 2007 has placed both the nation of Cambodia and the Phokeethra Country Club squarely on the international golfing map. |
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Phokeethra has been open for only a year, but in that short time it has proven itself to be one of the leading golf courses in the region - something that couldn't have happened without the strong support of the Cambodian government. Top government officials, including Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and His Excellency Dr. Thong Khon, Cambodia's Minister of Tourism, supported the development of the Phokeethra Country Club and were key participants in the Club's Grand Opening and the official launch of Cambodian Open 2007. The prime minister and other Cambodian government officials and dignitaries were key attendees and participants in the event.
The Cambodian government also welcomed golfers, guests, and the media to the tournament by waiving visa requirements to those who registered in advance. This is the first time that Cambodia offered this type of waiver to visitors.
During the tournament, Phokeethra organized the two special dinners: a Gala Dinner at the Bayon Temple on November 28 and a Farewell Dinner at the Kravan Temple on December 1. Both locations are key historical attractions, and special permission was received from the Cambodian government, Ministry of Tourism and APSARA authority to host the dinners at those sites.
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| Important Opportunities for Cambodian Youth |
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Professional golf is still a relatively new phenomenon in Cambodia, with few Cambodians having much training in or knowledge about the sport. Supachai Verapuchong, Phokeethra Country Club's Managing Director, is sure that the Cambodian Open will change all that.
One of Khun Supachai's main objectives as Phokeethra's MD is to provide career opportunities and training in golf to young local people, while creating a top-notch golf course in the region. In the year Phokeethra has been operating, this strategy has succeeded, as the local staff has consistently shown themselves capable of providing international-quality service to world's top golfers. |
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And it seems, participants in the tournament agreed. Saltus, the tournament's winner, was so impressed with his caddie, Phal Savern, that he promised to buy her a motorbike if he won. After his victory, he kept his promise.
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Looking Forward to the Future
The Cambodian Open 2007 was a resounding success and Phokeethra is grateful to everyone, including the Cambodian government and all the sponsors, who made this important event happen and who have promised the Club their continued support.
We are looking forward to a year of increased international exposure and higher membership - with more special events that will keep Phokeethra Country Club firmly in the spotlight as one of Asia's key golfing venues. |
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