Six-time major winner Nick Faldo’s global grassroots golf initiative, the Faldo Series Asia enters Cambodian space for its fifth edition teeing off tomorrow at the Angkor Golf Resort (AGR) in Siem Reap.

Around 30 juniors from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are expected to line up for the event at the award-winning AGR designed by the British legend.

The Cambodian leg is part of a network of 20 qualifiers from the Asia-Pacific region, with the winners of each age category earning a ticket to the grand final at Laguna Lang Co, Danang, in Vietnam, a new venue for the decider after 10 years at China’s Mission Hills.

Competition will be held in U16, U18 and U21 age groups for both male and female participants. The first day has been set aside for practice and two competitive rounds will be played over the next two days, with the overall winner to be crowned on Sunday.

On the sidelines of this showpiece, AGR’s head professional Alan Martin will conduct a players’ clinic after the first round on Saturday, followed the next morning by a grassroots clinic for students from nearby NGO JWOC (Journeys Within Our Community). More than 900 local children and adults, who may otherwise miss out, benefit from JWOC’s education opportunities.

“Junior golf development is something we feel strongly about and the Faldo Series provides a fantastic platform for talented golfers to develop and succeed in the game.

“As always we will be working very closely with the local community, schools and charity organisations with the goal of introducing Cambodian children to the game,” AGR’s Director of Golf, David Baron told the Post yesterday.

Celebrated British golfer Nick Faldo said: “Kudos to all those involved in golf development at the AGR for all the good work they are doing to spread the word about the game.”

“It gives me a sense of pride to see the Faldo Series Asia contributing to growing the game in developing golfing nations like Cambodia.”

Last year’s Faldo Series event drew world attention after Thailand’s Thongpipat Rattanayanon shot a course record of six-under 66 on his way to a crowning glory.

The Thai youngster emerged as the overall winner of the Cambodian leg from the U16 boys category by 10 shots

The 14-year-old Thongpipat followed in the footsteps of two previous winners from Thailand, which has been sending out a succession of talented youngsters over the past few years.

Opening the first round with a solid even-par 72, the Thai junior blew the field away in the second round with a course record-equalling six under par 66. His two round total of 138 (-6) left him 10 shots clear. For his storming 66, Thongpipat fired eight birdies, five of which came on the front nine.