The much anticipated Angkor Amateur Open tees off this weekend at the Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap, once again raising the bar as one of the Kingdom’s most established and prestigious tournament.

The event filled up in record time, and 116 participants, representing 14 countries, will go head to head for the coveted title over two competitive rounds after Friday’s practice at the course designed by six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo.

The tournament will be run in four divisions, offering amateurs of varying handicaps a fair go. And fter its popular introduction in 2015, there is again a senior division for players aged 55 and over.

Players with a handicap between 0-12 will figure in Division 1, while the second division is for players in the handicap range of 13-28. The women’s event will run concurrently.

The overall champion will be the player with the lowest 36-hole gross score.

‘Course a little tougher’

This year, past champions Ly Hong, Amish Jaitha and Seng Van Seyha will return to the competition, which offers up to 20 prizes across all divisions.

The Siem Reap club are expecting a strong line-up of established international players all vying to claim the coveted Amateur Open title currently held by Cambodian national team player Seng Van Seyha who has shown signs of his best form in recent weeks.

Other local favorites include the much improved Im Reahul, Peou Pich Meta and Sokhamony Thong.

There are wide range of luxury prizes to be won thanks to the support of key partners such as Heineken, DFS T Galleria, Angkor Fashion Plaza, Under Armour, Fenix Golf.

Siem Reap’s finest luxury hotels are all on board, providing luxury holiday packages – and anyone who scores a hole-in-one will drive away in a brand-new MG RX5 donated by TF Motors Cambodia.

Fresh from performing at the British Open, world renowned trick shot maestro David Edwards will entertain players and supporters with his famed show and on-course commentary. Edwards will then head to Le Golf National in Paris to perform at this year’s Ryder Cup.

“We are all set for an exciting weekend of golf. I anticipate that the course will be playing a little tougher than previous years and will no doubt be a fun challenge for the competitors,’’ said the AGR’s director of golf David Baron.