#daveedwards

The much anticipated 10th edition of the famous Angkor Amateur Open lived up to all the pre-event anticipation. With players from all around the region and beyond competing for the prestigious trophy, the Siem Reap venue saw almost half the field consists of players from Singapore and Australia in addition to fourteen players representing their home Country of Cambodia.

The local players in the filed would consist of five current National Team players hoping to make a strong impression, including last year’s winner Seng Vanseiha.

The course set-up would prove to show a true test for the 116 competitors, with the rough left a little longer than normal there was a big emphasis on hitting the pristine fairways around the Faldo Design Championship lay out, add in the testing (unusual) windy conditions it was to be a ‘survival of the fittest’.

It was a familiar name leading the way after round one, Amish Jaitha (India) who opened up the event with an impressive 72 (level par), providing a four shot lead over Mal Coombs (an AGR regular) and a six shot lead from three others who scored 78 (+6) including National Team player Peou Pich Meta.

Round one was followed by some world famous entertainment, provided by Mr David Edwards and his world famous trick show performance.

Players were also entertain with some humorous on-course commentary provided by Mr Edwards at the event gala dinner at Sokha Angkor Resort.

Round two would prove to provide some testing playing conditions with stronger winds blowing across the golf course. Using their past experiences the battle for the Trophy would be decided in the final few holes where the three time past champion Ly Hong found himself with a one shot lead with two holes to play. He would proceed to birdie the final hole to score 69 (3 under par) posting a combined total of 149 (+5) and a two-shot victory over round one leader Amish Jaitha.

“I was disappointed with my round one score and a little nervous about round two as I was 8 shots behind. I really enjoy this event and the golf course, as always, was in amazing condition, I was motivated to go play my best golf. I was so happy to score 69 in round two in a testing wind. Amazing to have my friends and family here to celebrate with me”

Ly Hong, 2018 Champion

 After 10 years the Angkor Amateur Open has grown and now a prestigious fixture in the golfing calendar, Ly Hong has now won the event 4 time, 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2018