Siem Reap, Cambodia: Tournament organisers have hailed the inaugural Asia Golf Championship in Siem Reap a roaring success.

“It’s been a wonderful week with golfers from more than 12 countries taking part. The atmosphere and camaraderie was fantastic and a lot of new friendships were made,” said Chris Watson, Tournament Director, Asia Golf Championship.

Consisting of rounds at the Phokeethra Country Club and Angkor Golf Resort, the 36-hole amateur event was presented by Golfasian, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, and FORE.

“Both courses were in fantastic condition and the host hotel went above and beyond on the evening functions. It’s been a tremendous start to the Asia Golf Championship. Thank you Siem Reap,” added Watson.

The Asia Golf Championship is made up of a series of events across Southeast Asia. The next event is scheduled to be held in Bangkok from February 28-March 1, 2020. Tournaments in Chiang Mai and Phuket, both in Thailand, will follow with the final event taking place in Danang, Vietnam.  

In Siem Reap, pride of place went to Tim Marlowe, an American who now resides in West Timor.

With Stableford returns of 34 and 37, Marlowe topped the leaderboard with a tally of 71 points. That was one better than Papi Reddy, who led after amassing a 42-point haul on day one only to falter with 28 points on day two.

Marlowe said: “This has been the best event in which I’ve played. It was amazing to win. Having my wife and young children here with me made it that much more special.

“The event was seamlessly organised from start to finish, and my whole family was made part of the entire experience. I’m looking forward to many more tournaments with the FORE and Golfasian team.”

David Collins from Hong Kong came third with 69 points, while his wife, Julie, won the ladies category with 64 Stableford points over the two days.

Prize for the best gross score went to Henry Chiew who carded rounds of 76 and 77.