Siem Reap, Cambodia, October 26: The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will continue to spur the growth of golf in the emerging nation when the tournament returns for its third edition from November 19 to 22, 2009.

The US$300,000 full-field Asian Tour event was inaugurated in 2007 where it entered Asian golf annals as the first ever professional golf tournament to be held in Cambodia.

Officials believe the growing stature of the national championship will further strengthen the foundation for budding amateur golfers in the country to experience and aspire to compete against the top stars from the Asian Tour at the picturesque Phokeethra Country Club.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman, Kyi Hla Han, lauded Johnnie Walker for its continued support towards the development of professional golf in Cambodia and across the region.

“It is through the strong support of Johnnie Walker that a tournament of this stature can take successfully be staged. Johnnie Walker has long been a terrific partner of golf and through our association, we are confident of raising further the stature of golf in Cambodia,” said Han.

“Since 2007, many amateur golfers have benefited greatly by competing in the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open. This will create a positive effect on the growth of the game as young amateurs will grow up and aspire to emulate the Asian Tour’s stars.”

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, claimed a popular victory at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open last year where he triumphed by six shots over Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing. American Bryan Saltus prevailed in the inaugural edition.

This year’s championship will undoubtedly provide another wonderful week of golf by the Asian Tour stars at the historical city of Siem Reap, which is located close the famous Angkor Wat temples. 

Johnnie Walker South East Asia General Manager, Sam Fischer said: “We are honoured to have the privilege to title sponsor the Cambodian Open once again. Golf is growing in this emerging nation and we are delighted to play a major role in its development. It is certainly our dream that the championship will become the catalyst for golf’s growth in Cambodia and for a Cambodian player to eventually triumph in his home Open.”

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort & Phokeethra Country Club Managing Director, Supachai Verapuchong said: “It is an honour for us to host this prestigious event. For the past two years, the tournament has given Cambodia tremendous exposure as a golfing destination and we are confident the popularity of the sport will continue to thrive.”

About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia.  This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include ESPN Star Sports (Official Regional TV Broadcaster), Pin High (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore's premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.