Siem Reap, Cambodia: Cambodian left-hander Ly Hong has written his name into the record books as the first two-time winner of the Angkor Amateur Open Golf Championship.
The local favourite repelled the challenge from a strong overseas contingent to savour success at the Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort, a Golf Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
David Baron, the club’s Director of Golf, said: “Ly Hong is a worthy champion, showing remarkable skill and consistency to post a total of 142. He has a short game that will rival many players in the paid ranks.
“Heavy overnight rain meant that the course was playing soft and very long. In the three days preceding the event we had over 15 centimetres of rainfall yet the course was presented in immaculate condition thanks to golf course superintendent Jim Gubricky and his team.
“It’s been a fantastic three days and we’re delighted with the response and feedback from all of the players.
“The event has gone from strength to strength and although the prizes are fiercely contested the camaraderie and friendship shown among the competitors is what makes the event so special.”
Ly Hong, who represented Cambodia in the Indonesian edition of the SEA Games in 2011, first triumphed at Angkor Golf Resort in 2012.
“I am very happy that I could maintain my consistency in both the rounds,” said Ly Hong, who posted consecutive rounds of 71 to win by four strokes from defending champion Amish Jaitha. “It is a very well run event. I would like to come back,” said Jaitha.
In Division One, the prize for the best nett score went to Phnom Penh golfer Pichmeta Peou with a two-round total of 72 Stableford points.
In the Ladies Division, top honours went to Tevy Sareoun, Cambodia’s brightest young golfing prospect who posted scores of 91 and 86.