Phokeethra successfully hosted its second consecutive Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open event held December 11 - 14, 2008. The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open 2007 was the first major international golf tournament to be held in Cambodia.

On December 10, the day before the start of the tournament, many amateurs, professional golfers, VIPs, government officials, media, and other invited guests came together to enjoy the traditional Pro-Am tournament. Later that evening Phokeethra hosted a gala dinner at the Bayon Temple accompanied by the magnificent Apsara dancing, catered by the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

The opening ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and President of the Cambodian Golf Federation. The Phokeethra Country Club was honored to get welcome speech from VIPs that included His Excellency Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia; Samuel Andrew Fisher, General Manager of Diageo Indochian Ltd.; and Supachai Verapuchong, Managing Director of the Phokeethra Country Club. Golfers from over 20 countries participated in the tournament.

Thailand's own Thongchai Jaidee won the tournament, and the accompanying US$ 300,000 prize, immediately dedicating his victory to his newborn son.

Thongchai, who welcomed the arrival of his second child just nine days earlier, produced a superb round of six-under-par 66 for a 24-under-par 264 total to end his Cambodian campaign six shot ahead of closest rival, Lam Chih Bing of Singapore.

"My son was born on a very good day and I believe he has given me all the luck," said Thongchai, who has affectionately named his son, Kittituch. "I played really well all week. I only had four bogeys throughout the four rounds and I know that my game is all coming back now," said Thongchai. "I'm really happy and this win goes out to my son."

We hope to keep continue organizing international golf tournaments next year and the years ahead, successfully promoting Cambodia as a world-class golf destination.

Leading final round scores

264 - Thongchai Jaidee (THAILAND) 68-66-64-66
270 - Lam Chih Bing (SINGAPORE) 73-65-67-65
272 - Chawalit Plaphol (THAILAND) 67-66-72-67
274 - Rhys Davies (WALES) 64-75-67-68, Anthony Kang (USA) 65-69-69-71
275 - Juvic Pagunsan (PHILIPPINES) 70-69-68-68, Park Jae-bum (SOUTH KOREA) 68-67-71-69
276 - Iain Steel (MAS) 74-65-68-69, Thaworn Wiratchant (THAILAND) 68-70-69-69, Steven Tiley (ENGLAND) 70-66-69-71