GOLF IN CAMBODIA

Mirroring Cambodia’s economic development, the emergence of golf as a sporting activity in the country is starting to take hold. With a likely ASEAN alliance in 2015, the Cambodian development is promoting development of more courses in order to attract golf tourism much in the way that Thailand and Vietnam already does.

Siem Reap offers the unique opportunity to pair a round of golf whilst visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat and other famous temples during a short stay.

Phnom Penh is the business gateway and travellers appreciate the chance to play 18 holes whilst having meetings in the capital. The closest course to the capital is the Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club, where rounds are played to the backdrop of rice fields and palm trees. Its earliest predecessor, the Cambodia Golf & Country Club was actually the first international standard course in the country and is located about 33km out of the city. The newest course is the Grand Phnom Golf Club, a members only course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Siem Reap has three available courses which have played host to the Johnnie Walker Classic and Cambodian Open events in previous years. Sofitel Phokeethra Golf Club opened in 2007 and as the name suggests, is professionally managed by Sofitel Hotel. The Nick Faldo designed, Angkor Golf Resort holds a reputation as one of the best courses in South East Asia and is just 10 minutes drive from the town. Also well located is the Siem Reap Resort Golf Club located on the route to Phnom Penh and designed by Kentaro Sato.

Further courses are under development and will open in the next year or two. These include another Nick Faldo course near Phnom Penh, a golf course shared with Vietnam set on the border and a couple of courses in the south of the country. Based on the growth of golf in neighbouring countries we are sure to see more travellers, both business and leisure, visiting Cambodia for a round or two in the years to come.