Golfing In Cambodia: A Hole-In-One Experience

is there golf in cambodia

Cambodia has become a notable destination for golf enthusiasts, offering a selection of world-class golf courses that blend challenging play with the country's rich cultural heritage. The country's first golf course opened in 1996, and since then, Cambodia has established itself as a destination for golfers seeking a unique blend of challenging courses and cultural attractions. With its diverse landscape, ranging from rolling countryside to ancient temples, Cambodia offers a memorable golfing experience. The country's golf scene is enhanced by its favourable climate, particularly during the dry season from October to April, making it an ideal destination for golfers seeking a tropical golf getaway.

Characteristics Values
Golf Courses in Cambodia Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club, Garden City Golf Club, Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club, Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club, Cambodia Golf & Country Club, Chhun On Golf Resort, Dara Sakor Golf Resort, Vattanac Golf Resort
Golf Holiday Attractions Rich cultural attractions of ancient Khmer civilizations, Angkor Wat
Best Time for a Golf Holiday Dry season between October and late April, especially between November and January
Notable Venues Phokeethra Country Club, Vattanac Golf Resort, Angkor Golf Resort

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Cambodia's top golf courses

Golfing in Cambodia offers a unique experience, combining the sport with the rich cultural attractions of ancient Khmer civilizations. Here are some of the top golf courses in the country:

Phokeethra Country Club

Located in the heart of the Cambodian countryside, Phokeethra Country Club is Cambodia's first championship golf course. It is known for its sweeping fairways, generous greens, and intriguing design, offering a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. The club has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Johnnie Walker Classic and the Cambodian Open, attracting top Asian and international professional golfers. Its proximity to the historic Angkor Wat makes it a popular destination for golfers visiting Cambodia.

Angkor Golf Resort

The Angkor Golf Resort is another highly regarded golf course in Cambodia. It offers a well-organized golfing experience with smooth transfers and friendly staff. The resort also provides accommodation options, such as the La Residence d'Angkor, known for its colonial charm. The course itself presents a challenging yet enjoyable layout, with opportunities to strategize around water and sand hazards.

Garden City Golf Club

The Garden City Golf Club, located ten miles north of Phnom Penh, is a rising star in Cambodian golf. The club offers impressive amenities and dining experiences, along with a challenging course layout that will test even the most skilled players. Recreational players can also enjoy the course from a choice of five tees.

Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club is an upscale private golf club located eight miles north of the capital city. The course features manicured greens and well-groomed fairways, providing a visually appealing and challenging golfing experience. The ample width in the landing areas is countered by strategic decisions required when approaching the greens.

Cambodian Country Club

The Cambodian Country Club is a paradise for sports lovers seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Located between the city centre and the airport, the club offers a natural and wooded environment with various sports facilities, good quality food, and high-standing accommodation. It provides a mature golf course with challenging elements, such as mature trees strategically placed to test golfers' skills.

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Golf holiday planning

Golf in Cambodia has been described as a notable destination for golf enthusiasts, offering a selection of world-class courses that blend challenging play with the country's rich cultural heritage. Cambodia has a plethora of golf courses, with some of the best courses located in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

When planning a golf holiday to Cambodia, it is important to consider the climate. Cambodia has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, which is the best time to book a golf holiday in Phnom Penh, generally lasts between October and late April. By April, the temperatures can be very hot, so it is recommended to play golf in Phnom Penh between November and January when temperatures are in the high 20s. The wet season, which occurs between May and October, brings about 75% of Cambodia's annual rainfall.

  • Phokeethra Country Club: Located in Siem Reap, this golf course has been described as the best in Cambodia. It has hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic, the Cambodian Open, and the Asian Tour. The course offers a challenging design with rolling fairways and water features nestled within the natural landscapes of Siem Reap.
  • Angkor Golf Resort: This golf course, also located in Siem Reap, has been designed by six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo. The 18-hole, par-72 course provides a challenging layout suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
  • Garden City Golf Club: Located in Phnom Penh, this golf course opened in April 2013 and has emerged as one of the best golf courses in the city. The par-72 golf course is laid out on 240 acres 15 kilometers northeast of downtown Phnom Penh. The course conditioning and layout are excellent and comparable to the top courses in the region.
  • Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club: This private golf club is located 8-15 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport. The course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, provides ample width in the landing areas and challenging decisions when approaching the greens.
  • Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club: This golf course is a favourite with locals and expatriates, perhaps due to its location and the fact that it is regarded as the Prime Minister's favourite course. The course is relatively flat, but the water hazards and sand traps provide a challenge for golfers.
  • Cambodia Golf & Country Club: Established in 1996, this is the oldest golf course in Phnom Penh and Cambodia. Located just a 1-hour drive west of Phnom Penh, it is an 18-hole, par-72 golf course that stretches to just over 7,000 yards. The course was designed by Japanese and Taiwanese designers and is lined by sugar palm trees, native fruit plants, flowers, and rocks.
  • Vattanac Golf Resort: This resort, located 15 kilometers from the city center, features two contrasting 18-hole courses designed by Sir Nick Faldo.
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Golf in Siem Reap

One of the most renowned courses in Siem Reap is the Phokeethra Country Club, Cambodia's first championship golf course. The course has hosted the annual Cambodian Open, attracting top Asian and international professional golfers and shining a spotlight on the country's golf tourism. The club is located in the heart of the Cambodian countryside, offering sweeping fairways, generous greens, and water features nestled within the natural landscapes of Siem Reap. The course was remodelled by renowned architect Major General Weerayudth Phetbuasak, providing an unforgettable golfing experience. The clubhouse provides a relaxing post-game setting, with a terrace restaurant overlooking the course.

Another highly acclaimed golf course in Siem Reap is the Angkor Golf Resort. It has received numerous awards, including the World Top 50 Course Award from Golfscape and Best Course in Cambodia from the World Golf Awards in 2019. The resort offers a well-organised golfing holiday, with smooth transfers and friendly staff. The course is known for its challenging design, with rolling fairways and water features, providing an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

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Golf in Phnom Penh

Golf is a growing sport in Cambodia, with several courses located in and around Phnom Penh. The country's first championship golf course, Phokeethra Country Club, is located in the Cambodian countryside, a short drive from Angkor Wat. The course has hosted the Cambodian Open, attracting top Asian and international golfers and helping to develop golf tourism in the country.

There are a number of other highly-rated golf courses in Phnom Penh, including the Garden City Golf Club, which is laid out on 240 acres 15km northeast of downtown Phnom Penh. The course uses Seashore Paspalum turf, offering excellent conditioning comparable to the top courses in the region. The Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club is another option, located 20 minutes northwest of the city and known for its fresh air and climate, well-suited for golf.

The Vattanac Golf Resort, located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, offers two contrasting 18-hole golf courses designed by Sir Nick Faldo. The East Course is publicly accessible and plays through scale models of pre-Angkorian structures, while the West Course, which opened in October 2020, features lush paspalum fairways, greens, and dramatic bunkering.

Chhun On Golf Resort is another popular choice for golfers in Phnom Penh, with pristine fairways and greens, well-maintained facilities, and a relaxing atmosphere. It is located in the heart of the city but offers a peaceful setting reminiscent of a vacation in the province.

With a range of options, from championship courses to peaceful resorts, Phnom Penh is a great destination for golfers looking to experience the growing golf scene in Cambodia.

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Golf course history

Golf in Cambodia has grown in popularity, with the country now offering a selection of world-class courses that blend challenging play with the country's rich cultural heritage. Cambodia's first golf course, Cambodia Golf & Country Club, opened in December 1996. The course is located 33 kilometres west of Phnom Penh and was designed by Japanese and Taiwanese designers. It is nestled among sugar palm trees, native fruit plants, flowers, and rocks, with large mountains looming in the distance.

Another notable golf course in Cambodia is the Phokeethra Country Club, which has been dubbed the Best Golf Course in Cambodia and has hosted the Asian Tour's Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open. This 18-hole, par-72 course is known for its extensive water hazards and a restored Roluh bridge from the 11th century. The course was remodelled by renowned architect Major General Weerayudth Phetbuasak and is located in the heart of the Cambodian countryside, just a short drive from the historic Angkor Wat.

The Angkor Golf Resort, designed by six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo, is another premier golf facility in Cambodia. This 18-hole, par-72 course offers a challenging layout suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The resort is located in Siem Reap and has received increased praise, with many golfers considering it the finest course in Southeast Asia.

Other prominent golf courses in Cambodia include the Vattanac Golf Resort, which features two contrasting 18-hole courses designed by Sir Nick Faldo, and the Garden City Golf Club, which opened in April 2013 and is renowned for its excellent conditioning and challenging layout. The Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club is also a notable course, located just 15 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport, offering fresh air and climate conditions ideal for a perfect day of golf.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Cambodia has become a notable destination for golf enthusiasts, offering a selection of world-class courses that blend challenging play with the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Some notable golf courses in Cambodia include Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club, Garden City Golf Club, Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club, and Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club.

The dry season, which generally lasts between October and late April, is considered the best time to book a golf holiday in Phnom Penh. However, by April, the temperatures can be very hot, so the months between November and January are also recommended.

The oldest golf course in Cambodia is the Cambodia Golf and Country Club, established in 1996. It is located about an hour's drive west of Phnom Penh and is an 18-hole, par-72 course stretching over 7,000 yards.

While opinions may vary, many golfers consider Angkor Golf Resort to be the finest course in Southeast Asia and Cambodia. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, it offers multiple levels of challenging play suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

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