Vietnam walked away the winners of the first FCC Indochine Cup, held September 19-21 at the Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap.
Rain delayed the beginning of play on the first day. But once the downpours stopped the Vietnam squad wasted no time taking control of the event, which is loosely based on the rules of the Ryder Cup. Vietnam won each of the three days of play.
Expatriates from both countries filled the 12-man team rosters, with the FCC's Steve Hayward leading the home team and Steve Walter leading the team from Vietnam.
Angkor Golf Resort manager Adam Robertson. Above: Adam Robertson, Dean Cashion and Steve Hayward.
Cambodia knew they faced an experienced opponent in Vietnam. And heading into the event, the Cambodia team held few illusions about its chances for victory.
The course at the Angkor Golf Resort only added to the challenges faced by the less experienced Cambodia side. Designed by golf great Nick Faldo, nearly every hole is groomed with peril.
"There's a lot of water," said Ben Janclose, general manager of the FCC Angkor. "On hole number six there is a big water hazard to the left side. On 13, there are more than 18 bunkers."
The FCC in Cambodia and IGE, an event management company based in Ho Chi Minh City, organized the event. Sponsors included Coca-Cola, Evian, Fleur de Cap, and the Blue Pumpkin, as well as the FCC and IGE.