Al Emadi has been preparing on and off the course ahead of the famous competition, with former champions including twice-champion Hideki Matsuyama and his fellow Japanese golfer Keita Nakajime, who won in Dubai last year.

In addition to his regular gym sessions at Dubai Creek with Golf Performance Coach Matthew Brookes, Al Emadi attended the AAC Academy hosted by Peter Cowen Head Professional Stephen Deane. This will be Al Emadi’s second time competing in the AAC after making his first appearance last year at the Emirates Golf Federation-hosted event at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

“I feel like my game is in a really good spot right now”, said Al Emadi. “I have my own personal goals for this tournament but more importantly, I am here to represent the UAE and the Emirates Golf Federation. I know that I am playing against some of the best players in the Asia-Pacific and that is an honour. I will keep my head down, take it shot by shot, hole by hole, and rely on my training”.

The AAC, which is one of the five ‘Elite’ events on the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is organised by The Masters and the R&A in association with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.

The 2022 event will have a full field of 120 amateurs from 39 countries and territories who will compete for the title, which provides an invitation to the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and a place in The 151st Open, provided the champion retains his amateur status. The runners-up will earn a spot in the Final Qualifying for The Open.

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The post Rashid Al Emadi all set to represent UAE at the 2022 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Thailand appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

In this event, winning is certainly important. The champion after four rounds at the Amata Spring Country Club just outside Bangkok will next year be playing in the Masters, the Open Championship and British Amateur. But just as big a part of the proceedings is the presence of those players from emerging golfing nations and the wide range of ages and abilities on display.

So it is that, alongside eight members of this year’s International Junior Presidents Cup team, there is the likes of Yasser Nacoob from Bahrain and Jordan Indra Marcello of Indonesia. At 14, Marcello is the youngest player in the field, 46 years younger than Nacoob. Indeed, the highest-ranked player here, World No. 12 and LIV Golf player Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat of Thailand, is only 15.

Yes, the AAC can boast past winners like former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and, last year in Dubai, the then World No. 1 amateur Keita Nakajima. But the presence of Cambodia’s Vanseiha Seng of Cambodia — a man destined never to make a cut — at each of the first 12 APACs gave the event a unique charm.

The display at Amata Spring Country Club highlights past winners and the spoils that will go to this week’s champion. John Lehmann

Sadly absent this year, Seng shot his best score of three-over-par 73 at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore four years ago. For him and so many others it was all about gaining international experience. Three times Seng made it to China, as well as Singapore (twice), Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai and South Korea.

This time round, the 13th playing of the AAC sees a field of 120 drawn from 38 different countries and territories gathered for a second time in Thailand. Even the distant United States is well “represented”. As many as 39 players have gained an education at 28 American colleges.

One of those is Carl Jano Corpus. A T-38 finisher in the APAC debut last year in Dubai, the San Jose State senior is hoping for bigger things this time round. But whatever happens, he is already having a good time.

“Last year was spectacular and an amazing experience,” Corpus says. “They take care of us so well. I’ve played in many great events on the US college circuit, but this one is on a different level. This is 10-out-of-10. I played for the Philippines at the World Amateur Championship in Paris maybe two months ago (where his six-over-par aggregate saw him finish T-85 individually). I have to be honest. Although that event was amazing to be a part of, this week is actually way better for me. And the prizes are pretty good. Win this event and you get to play in the Masters and the Open, which is unreal for anyone here this week.”

A view of Amata Castle overlooking the 17th hole at Amata Spring Country Club. The course is hosting the AAC for the second time, the other coming in 2012. Graham Uden

That huge incentive has seen Corpus putting in some hard practice recently. But he is also cognizant of the role this event plays in the development of the game in the part of the world he calls home.

“I have big ambitions this week,” he claims. “I always think of winning, but I know there is a big range of players here. Many are here just to compete and enjoy themselves, which is great for the game in the places where many of them come from. In a lot of Southeast Asia countries, including my home, the Philippines, there is a shortage of decent facilities. Being able to be here is one thing. But when we get here, everything is provided for us. The AAC pays for everything, which takes away a lot of the financial burden for many countries. If not for that, they would not be able to compete.”

As for the future, Corpus is currently undecided about the path he will take, which makes him what might be called a “tweener” amongst this week’s field of potential champions and inevitable also-rans. The temptation to turn professional is strong, but he has possible obligations at home.

Experiencing a top-level event like the AAC is as valuable an experience for players coming from emerging golf nations as the incentive to qualify for the Masters or Open Championship. David Paul Morris

“I still have a few months to go before I graduate with a degree in communications,” he says. “I really want to turn pro. But my mum is making noises about me coming home to work alongside her in the family real-estate business. She is close to retirement needs and help. If I did turn pro, the Asian Tour represents a huge opportunity for people like me. It is more attractive than it has ever. So I’ll be trying to get my card there, as well as on the DP World Tour and Japan.”

Still, whatever happens this week and in the future, for players like Corpus the AAC is surely destined to be a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

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The post Major invites at stake at the Asia-Pacific Amateur, but players from emerging golf nations — from Philippines to Bahrain — eye something different appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith
After a decade-long absence, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) will return to Amata Springs Country Club in Thailand.

The 13th edition of the AAC will be held at the Chonburi venue from October 27-30, the R&A has announced.

This will be the first time since 2012 that Amata will host the competition, with last year’s tournament being held at Dubai Creek Golf Club in the UAE, in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation.

Created in 2009, the AAC was established to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region. The champion will receive an invitation to compete in the 2023 US Masters and 151st Open Championship, while the runner(s)-up will gain a place in final qualifying for The Open.

“We look forward to bringing the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship back to Amata and gathering the region’s top players at this exceptional venue once again,” said Taimur Amin, Chairman of the Asian Pacific Golf Confederation, Fred Ridley, Chairman of the Masters Tournament, and Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, in a joint statement.

“This year will be a special opportunity to build on the growth we’ve seen in amateur golf over the last 10 years since the event was last held in Thailand. We are grateful to our hosts in the region as we work together to promote the game’s development and provide pathways for talented amateurs across the Asia-Pacific.”

Notable past competitors include 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time winner of the AAC, and Cameron Smith, who won The Players in March and is currently the fourth-ranked player in the world. Collectively, AAC alumni have gone on to win 21 tournaments on the PGA Tour to date.

“We are thrilled to once again host the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship,” said Andrew Yau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amata Spring Country Club. “Amata Spring is excited to present a challenging test for the best amateur golfers across the Asia-Pacific region.”

The 13th @AAC_golf will return to Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand, October 27-30, 2022.

Read more ? https://t.co/FBWnpj9DJs pic.twitter.com/pXyGqbLKCj

— Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (@AAC_Golf) May 11, 2022

Amata Spring Country Club was designed by Lee Schmidt and established in 2005. In addition to previously hosting the AAC in 2012, the course has provided the backdrop for prestigious events such as the LPGA Thailand, the Thailand Golf Championship and the Royal Trophy team event.

“Hosting the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is a unique opportunity to support the game of golf in Thailand as the talent in our country continues to grow,” said Rungsrid Luxsitanonda, president of the Thailand Golf Association. “We are proud to invite the top amateurs from across the region back to Thailand and Amata Spring and look forward to another exciting edition of the AAC.”

Over the AAC’s 13-year history, the Championship has served as a springboard to some of the world’s top players, including future PGA Tour winners Matsuyama, CT Pan, Smith, Cameron Davis, Lucas Herbert, Si Woo Kim, Satoshi Kodaira and Kyoung-Hoon Lee.

Last November at the Dubai Creek, Japan’s Keita Nakajima came out on top, and Dubai’s own Rayhan Thomas was runner up to Takumi Kanaya in the 2018 edition.

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The post Following on from Dubai Creek success, Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship returns to Amata Springs appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
World amateur No.1 Keita Nakajima and two-time champion Yuxin Lin have lived up to the pre-event hype by setting up a potentially thrilling finale to the 12th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (ACC).

Japan’s Nakajima leads by one from Lin after making one of the eye-catching moves on moving day at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, a four-under 67 taking him to -11.

Nakajima mixed five birdies with a bogey on the challenging par-3 8th but it was the par putt he sank on the Creek’s notorious 18th, after his tee shot found the water and threatened to derail an impressive third round, that stood out.

“I’m happy and feeling good. At the start of the round, I felt a bit nervous, but I birdied No. 3 and 4, and that gave me good momentum.  I’m excited and enjoying my golf, so I just hope I can play well and with confidence,” said Nakajima.     

With starts at the Masters at Augusta National, the 150th Open at St. Andrews and the 127th Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Annes, Nakajima can be assured the nerves will return today.

Lin, 21, knows the pressure and the rewards after winning the 2017 title at Royal Wellington in New Zealand and the last of the pre-pandemic outbreak ACCs at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai in 2019.

Yuxin Lin.

The lefty started the third round four shots off the lead in a tie for 15th after a disappointing second round of 71. But a blistering start with birdies on his first three holes and a further four gains against a solitary bogey saw the Beijing lad sign for a six-under 65 to get to -10. Sam Choi and overnight leader Bo Jin are both well poised on -9.

Elsewhere, UAE No.1 Ahmad Skaik is now sitting on +4 for the tournament after a difficult six-over round, which included two double bogeys. The left-hander was left to rue some bad luck, which included a lost ball from just off the fairway on the 10th hole.

“I was actually playing decent but for those doubles. I made a few silly decisions after that. On eight it was a tough pin position and I still tried to go for it. I left myself a difficult stance in the back of the bunker and ended up with double when I should really have walked away with bogey at worst.

“And on 10 I hit a drive just left of fairway, but couldn’t find the ball, which was very unlucky, I think. It is not always going to go your way on the golf course.”

Ahmad Skaik.

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The UAE No.1 added an even par 71 to his opening 69 to move to -2 for the championship, six strokes adrift of Bo Jin’s halfway lead at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

RELATED: Dubai prodigy Rayhan Thomas has helped a Chinese teen with family history to the halfway lead at the Asia Pacific

Skaik joined Ahmed Al Musharrekh – who made the cut at the 2011 ACC won by Hideki Matsuyama at Singapore Island Country Club – as the only Emiratis to advance to the weekend at the region’s premier amateur event.

Bogeys on the 16th and 18th courtesy of a pair of three-putts from the fringe saw Skaik tumble 10 places down the leaderboard to a shared of 22nd. But he was just happy to get into the clubhouse and regroup to go again after an injury plagued build-up.

“I’m very happy. Coming into this, I didn’t think I’m going to make the cut because I’m not playing well. I had a lesson with my coach two days before the tournament and I felt much better, and in control of my game, so happy to be here.”

Anything in particular that you worked on?

“Just the swing. I was trying to work on tempo and take away and that’s very crucial to my game and it worked out pretty well.”

Still, Thursday’s second round was a grind.

“It was a struggle out there. I didn’t hit it well. I struggled off the tee and with my irons, but my putting was on and my wedges, that helped me,” said Skaik.

“I didn’t really pay attention to the leaderboard. I was just trying to focus on my own game. Just stay patient and wait for it. The front nine I didn’t hit it well, and I finished level par and then managed to make two birdies on 10 and 14. But I’m happy. Level par is fine.”

Skaik, who has bogeyed the 7th and 18th in both of the first two rounds, is looking forward to the weekend.

“I mean, now I can play relaxed because I’ve made the cut, which was my goal but now let’s hope tomorrow I can strike it well and just get the putter rolling as well.”

With pro ambitions, Skaik also knows playing in the field with the likes of world amateur No.1 Keita Nakajima and two-time champion Yuxin Lee is an invaluable learning experience.

“They are the best of the best in the amateur game, so obviously we look up to them, especially Yuxin because he’s a lefty like me. It’s pretty good to play with them and hopefully in the future we get to play in the same group.”

The post UAE No.1 Amhad Skaik looks to cash-in on unexpected weekend play at the Asia-Pacific Amateur appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

It was quite the day for the UAE No.1 at Dubai Creek Yacht & Golf Club on Wednesday, a two-under 69 leaving the Emirati just two strokes off the lead at an event promising invites to the 2022 Masters and Open Championship for the eventual champion come Saturday evening.

RELATED: World No.1 and defending champion ominously positioned in seven-way Asia-Pacific lead at Dubai Creek

A watery bogey on the Creek’s notoriously challenging final hole left a slightly sour taste. It led to a bogey five and cost the southpaw the chance of tying Ahmed Al Musharrekh (three-under, second round of the 2011 ACC) for the lowest score to par by a UAE player at the Asia-Pacific Amateur.

But Skaik couldn’t complain, not after revealing a neck injury has blighted his build-up to the prestigious event created by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation in 2009 and sanctioned by the R&A and partnered by the Masters Tournament.

“I have been practicing with my injury. Lots of painkillers and massages,” said Skaik who had the honour of hitting the event’s opening shot early on Wednesday.

“The last six months have been terrible with injuries. It started with a wrist injury followed by left knee and now the neck. I’ve probably played and practiced … 10 days in these six months.”

Photo: ACC

All of which made his 69 even more impressive.

RELATED: Wach this South Korean amateur quite literally make the biggest splash on day 1 at the Asia-Pacific

“I am happy with the round. It’s a shame I finished with a bogey but I felt in control of my game throughout

“I had a couple of good birdie chances in the first five holes but did not make them, and a couple coming in which I could not convert either.”

The trick now is to consolidate the solid start in Thursday’s second round. Intimate course knowledge makes that easier but that is perhaps now balanced out by heightened hometown anticipation.

“I felt pretty good with my game off the tee, my irons and putting, and two-under is pretty good for me. I was trying to stay patient the whole round. You can’t force the putts in, so I was just trying to hit closer and closer and try to make the putts and hopefully tomorrow they roll in more,” Skaik said.

“Obviously, it’s much better when you stand on the tee knowing exactly where you’re going to hit it. You stand on a par 3 and know what you’re going to hit which is obviously an advantage.”

The post Injured almost from head to toe, Ahmad Skaik somehow gives Dubai hope of home Asia-Pacific glory appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By John Huggan
DUBAI, U.A.E. — Although the same is surely true at almost every professional or elite-amateur tournament across the globe, perhaps nowhere is the inherent variety of agendas within the field more apparent than at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. There are 93 golfers competing this week at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, with a range of ambitions as wide as the nearby Arabian Gulf.

Some players, like 15-year-old Rizq Adam Rohizam from Malaysia and the 63-year-old Akl Rachid of Lebanon are simply here to take part. Others—the ever-present 12-time participant Vanseiha Seng being one—see success as making the halfway cut. Then there are those at the sharpest end of the proceedings, defending champion and two-time winner Yuxin Lin from China and World No. 1 Keita Nakajima from Japan. For them, anything less than victory will be at least mildly disappointing.

Somewhere in the middle of all that sits Leon D’Souza. The 23-year-old Hong Kong native—his father is from Portugal; his mother hails from the Philippines—is a senior at the University of Southern California and one of 37 members of the field here currently attending college in the United States. This will be his sixth appearance in the AAC, his best finish so far T-24 in 2018. For him, the event is something of a crossroads. Win and turning professional (“long-term, my goal is the PGA Tour”) will be delayed until he takes advantage of the Masters invitation and Open Championship exemption that come with the AAC title. Anything less and he has various options to consider.

“There are so many choices when you turn pro these days,” D’Souza says. “My coach is based in Europe, and I am in the process of getting a Portuguese passport, so I’m hopeful that the European Tour Q School will re-appear next fall. I could also play on the Mackenzie Tour as a way to progress in the States. Or I could go to the Sunshine circuit [in South Africa]. That’s a good route onto the European Tour. I have to decide all of that in the next couple of months.”

More immediately, D’Souza is in the majority when it comes to just what victory this week would mean. Calling it “the biggest reward of my amateur career,” the prospect of competing at Augusta National and St. Andrews already has him fighting one of competitive golf’s biggest “no-noes:” the ever-present urge to imagine the rewards of a victory not yet achieved.

“I’m trying not to think about winning,” he says with a smile. “It’s never a good idea to put that kind of pressure on yourself. It’s such a big mountain to climb. But I’ve done the work. My coach, Jonathan Wallett, always tells me that I should go into every event with high ambition but low expectation. I agree with that philosophy. The more you think about winning, the more you put expectations on yourself and get ahead of yourself. It’s not conducive to good results. Easier said than done, of course.”

Still, D’Souza is well used to taking his time about things. All set to attend UNLV after high school in Hong Kong, that option closed when one of his academic credits failed to transfer. Two years at South Mountain Junior College in Phoenix then became his route to USC, where his game prospered amidst a string of high finishes in college events.

“My golf has improved so much technically,” he says. “When I came to the U.S., I was working on very different things to what I am now. And I’ve seen so many different courses. It’s all about experience. I’ve played in so many big events and can draw on those this week, for example. My development is as much mental as it is physical. Technique and physical skill can only take you so far. Mentally, I have so much more to work with, which will benefit me more in the long run. To me, that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned from my time in America.”

A further boost to D’Souza’s morale came recently when an old college adversary, Sahith Theegala out of Pepperdine, gained his PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour finals. As is so often the case, the thought, “well, if he can do that, why not me?” entered the economics major’s mind.

“I played a bunch of events against Sahith,” D’Souza says. “We had a really good contest at the Southwestern tournament. It was intense and taught me a lot. To see where he is now shows me that I have what it takes. It certainly gave me a boost to see him get his card. Again, that is mental. As my coach always tells me, it’s all about progressing one percent each day. And seeing Sahith do so well has certainly helped my confidence and belief.”

What all of the above translates into over the next four days remains to be seen, but D’Souza is already savoring the experience. He recognizes the wider benefits the AAC brings to golf in the vast Asia-Pacific region.

“This is an unbelievable event, one that helps so many players at so many levels,” he says. “It is always played on a great course. And outside of the event, what Augusta National and the R&A are doing to grow golf in Asia is amazing. The game is expanding in places where it was almost unheard of, say, a decade ago. Which is hugely important.

“I love to look around at this event and see guys who will only ever play in amateur events. For them, this must be such a special tournament, one that might just change their lives. This is one of the best weeks in amateur golf anywhere. For me, too, this is an important time. I’m basically transitioning between amateur and pro golf. But it might just turn out to be the best week of my life so far.”

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In the November edition of Golf Digest Middle East, we preview the European Tour’s season-ending Dubai doubleheader and ask what happens next for the Old World circuit after the seemingly stop-gap AVIV Dubai Championship and the traditional DP World Tour Championship climax. Especially now Greg Norman’s ambitious global plans with Asian Tour links have officially emerged.

In addition to the excitement and question marks at Jumeirah Golf Estates, we meet Claude Harmon III at The Els Club, Dubai to understand the takeaway move that makes Billy Horschel not only a leading R2D contender but one of the best ball strikers in the modern game.

Emily Kristine Pedersen helps us preview Saudi’s LET doubleheader and who better; the great Dane scooped all the silverware available in King Abdullah Economic City last year.

Join us at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Abu Dhabi Golf Club to preview this month’s Asia Pacific Amateur Championship and the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific respectively.

Conquer the rough with Joaquin Neimann, find out if you have been using the wrong shaft (and how to find the right one) for your game and how technology at Dubai Creek’s Peter Cowen Academy can rid your game of those frustrating little fats and thins around the green.

All this and much more in the Nov. 2021 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided or download the bumper November 2021 issue FREE to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the November 2021 issue of Golf Digest Middle East FREE today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The 29-year-old won the ACC back-to-back in 2010 and 2011 and has gone on to achieve reasonable things a decade later; a green jacket as reigning Masters champion and a seventh PGA Tour title as the freshly-minted Zozo Championship winner.

Invites to April’s Masters tournament at Augusta National and the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews next July will again be the huge lure for players hoping to emulate Matsuyama at the 12th edition of the ACC at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club this month.

A place in amateur folklore also beckons for Yuxin Lin who will attempt to defend the title he won in a playoff at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai in 2019 (the tournament was cancelled last year due to COVID-19). The 21-year-old Chinese player will attempt to distance himself from Matsuyama as the most successful player in AAC history after also winning the title at Royal Wellington in New Zealand in 2017.

“It would be a dream come true if I can win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship for a third time,” said Lin, a University of Florida junior who is no stranger to UAE conditions having finished tied for 30th in the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi Championship last year.

“To already be placed in the same bracket as Hideki Matsuyama as a two-time champion is surreal so to get one ahead would be amazing.”

“It is the biggest tournament in our part of the world and I know how much the players will be eager to get their hands on the trophy. It is an incredible opportunity to gain an invitation to the Masters and a place in The 150th Open at St Andrews next year. It will be a tough task but I will give it my best shot.”

MORE: Cambodian golfer represents big dreams of competitors in the Asia-Pacific Amateur

The Beijing left-hander won’t have it easy at The Creek.

Japan’s Keita Nakajima is the world amateur No.1 and has been an unstoppable force in his home country. In his last three starts, he has won the Japan Amateur Championship, followed by triumph at the Panasonic Open against a quality field of professionals on the Japan Golf Tour.

“I want to be with Hideki san when he defends his Masters title next year so this is my best chance to fulfil that dream.”
– Japan’s World No.1 Keita Nakajima

Nakajima, who came close to winning the AAC in 2018 in Singapore when he was a co-leader going into the final round but his fine 67 was upstaged by compatriot and best friend Takumi Kanaya (65), won the Mark McCormack Medal in August for being the top-ranked amateur in the world. He took over the number one position from Kanaya after the latter turned professional in 2020.

With most amateur tournaments in the Asia-Pacific region cancelled due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the 21-year-old Nippon Sport Science University student has relied on playing against professionals in the last couple of years. Apart from his recent Panasonic Open win, he also finished second in the Token Homemate Cup in April (finishing one stroke behind Kanaya) and third in last year’s Mitsui Sumitomo Taiheiyo Masters.

Nakajima, who said he cried on the day Kanaya decided to turn professional, added: “I’m an amateur who is at college, so it is an honour that I get the chance to play against the professionals. I feel it provides me with a great challenge to compete against them and that it has helped me become a better player.

“Of course, my confidence is high because of the win but I know I will still have to play at my best in Dubai to be in contention on the final day. I want to be with Hideki san when he defends his Masters title next year so this is my best chance to fulfil that dream and get to play alongside him at Augusta National Golf Club,” added Nakajima who is already assured of a place at The Open next year and the U.S. Open as a result of winning the McCormack Medal.

UAE No.1 Ahmad Skaik has secured a spot in the field along with compatriots Khalid Yousuf, Khalifa Al Masaood and Rashid Al Emadi, while Arkesh Bhatia, another big name on the UAE scene, will be representing India.

[divider] [/divider]

What: 12th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (ACC)
Where: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
When: Nov. 3-6

The post Hideki’s Legacy inspires as 12th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship begins at Dubai Creek appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

When the 12th playing of this massive region’s most important amateur event tees off on the Dubai Creek course in the United Arab Emirates this week, Seng—who has a small Koi fish business in his home city of Phnom Penh—will be the only player in the 93-man field drawn from 30 countries who can say he has competed in all 12. Not with any great distinction, it must be admitted. Seng’s best score is a three-over-par 73 at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore three years ago. And he has yet to make a halfway cut in any of the starts that have taken him to China on three occasions, Singapore (twice), Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

But that is to miss the point. What is failure for some is success for others.

“I want to make it clear that the journey so far has not been a disappointment,” says Seng, 28, who became a father for the first time only a month ago.

So Seng’s importance to the game he learned from his army general father at the Royal Cambodia Golf Club goes far beyond mere birdies and bogeys. When Seng was part of the inaugural AAC in 2009 at Mission Hills in China, his home country boasted only two courses. Now there are 10. While it might be a bit of a stretch to give him 100 percent credit for that 500-percent increase, it is also undeniable that Seng’s presence in such a high-caliber event can only have had a positive effect on the game’s admittedly low public-profile in Cambodia.

“I was so excited that I could be a part of the championship in 2009,” he says. “But I also knew it would be very difficult. And when I reached Mission Hills, I could see the superior level of competition and the preparedness of the players from other countries.”

Seng is a better player now though, even if he concedes that his wayward driving needs some work if he is to break the bad habit he has developed over the last 12 years and make it to the final 36-holes.

“My preparation now is so much better than it was in 2009,” he said after completing his maiden practice round this week in the company of compatriot Pich Meta Peou. “Back then, I knew how to hit the golf ball, but the AAC has taught me such crucial elements of the game, like course management, warm-up routines and physical training. All I did then was turn up and play. Now I’m aware of where I want my tee shots to finish. Do I need to hit fade or draw? I’m more knowledgeable and sophisticated. Today, for example, I took many notes on the greens, which have many slopes.”

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Seng is quick to attribute much of his improvement and development to the experience he has gained in the AAC, which offers an invitation to the Masters and an exemption into the Open Championship to the winner. Last year, he and Peou attended a week-long training camp in Singapore, courtesy of the AAC. Cambodia has no teaching professionals, the better players forced to learn through YouTube videos and advice passed among one another.

“This event has been so important to my development,” continued Seng, whose career best score over 18 holes is five under par. “To play at this level is so exciting. They make us feel so special when we play. Plus, of course, everyone wants to go to Augusta National. And the whole tournament is run so well. Everyone is so professional. I wish it got more attention at home. But golf in my country has a way to go. It is still a game played mainly by the high-ranking people. But doing well this week could change that. My big aim this week is to make the cut. That would be a big victory for me.”

And for the AAC.

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