Non-professional golfers itching to get on the fairways for a competitive fling will only have to wait until October 3 for the season-opening novelty that Siem Reap’s Phokeethra Country Club has put in place for the Kingdom’s inaugural Fire and Ice golf challenge.

The event, being played on a System 36 handicap format, has been fully subscribed and the field will be a heady mix of expats, locals and visitors from far and near.

This will be first of many events Phokeethra, once the home of Asian Tour’s Cambodian Open, is planning to stage in the near future.

Nowhere in this uniquely designed course can its historical perspective and heritage value be captured in all its glory than in an eye-catching sign that reads: “Tee off in the 11th Century. Finish your round in the 21st Century.”

“The theme ‘Fire and Ice’ comes with the changing of season from summer to winter, and while we are not expecting icy conditions, you will be able to see some ‘Fire & Ice’ inspired selections at the buffet presentation dinner,’’ PCC golf operations manager Robert Turvey said yesterday.