Excitement is fast building up at the Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap ahead of tomorrow’s opening round of the FCC Nations Cup, which offers golfers of all ages and skill levels a rare blend of charity, entertainment and fierce competition.

There is an international flavour to this two-round event for teams of four, with players partnering their compatriots in a tournament format loosely replicating the Ryder Cup.

First held in 2008 with a moderate turnout to promote the world heritage city of Siem Reap as a golf destination, the event has steadily grown in size and stature, with no fewer than a dozen nationalities represented in the upcoming edition.

While golfing fun, food and beverages keep the players on their pegs, they will also be involved in promoting a charitable cause. The money raised from a hole-in-one challenge will go to a local foundation, Kampuchea House, which supports education and opportunities for underprivileged children.