From urban driving ranges to 18 holes nestled in sweeping countryside, there’s never been a better time to tee off in the Kingdom of Wonder
Cambodia has upped its golf game in the last decade or so to offer 5 international standard golf courses radiating from its two major hubs:
Siem Reap
Over and above being the gateway to Angkor, Siem Reap is the golfing centre of Cambodia, with a tantalising selection of world-class courses featuring challenging and varied layouts. with three international standard courses located in close proximity to the magnificent temples of Angkor, the stage is set for a delightful golfing experience.
Angkor Golf Resort
With a challenging but surmountable layout, six time major winner Nick Faldo was behind the opening of this course in late 2007. Kept in pristine condition ever since, its strategically placed bunkers and water hazards demand concentration throughout one’s round, with a 300-metre long driving range ideal for refining technique before going the whole course.
How to get there
Located 5km from Siem Reap, follow NR6 for 12 minutes following signs for Angkor Golf Resort
Phokeethra Country Club
Designed to championship standards, this V-Golf designed course was specifically designed to test strategic skills, featuring natural lagoons and sandtraps with challenging par 3s, par 4s and par 5s. Separate pitching and putting greens allow golfers to tune up skills before heading to the course. It’s centrepiece, Roluh Bridge, a wonderfully restored 11th century stone work exudes the historic splendour of Angkor on the fairway.
How to get there
Situated 20 minutes from the airport; head NW on National Highway 6 (NR6) and follow signs.
Booyoung Country Club
This world-class course is the largest in the area, boasting well-manicured layouts and wide, palm-lined fairways, plus Korean-style restaurant and saunas after the 18th hole. Singular in its design by Japanese course architect Kentaro Sato, a choice of five tees per hole make this extraordinary course accessible for all golfers while proficient golfers will be challenged by its split fairways, meandering creeks and greenside bunkering.
How to get there
Follow NR6 due east from Angkor Wat and arrive in under 30 minutes.
Phnom Penh
Garden City Golf Club
Designed by the same architect behind the Phokeethra Country Club, this resort-style course put the capital on the map as a golfing destination, incorporating mounds and water hazards in a layout which will continue to turn heads. Amongst its great holes is a par 4; with water to the left of it and a lake to the right, those who make par here golf boldly and well.
How to get there
From the Central Market, you can arrive by taxi in around 30 minutes:
- Head west on Kampuchea Krom Blvd, taking the first right onto Preah Monivong Blvd.
- Continue on Monivong Blvd for as long as possible, following the road right just before the Old Stadium Roundabout and over the Cambodia-Japan friendship bridge.
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto National Highway 6. After 11km, turn left onto Ly Yongphat Street for 4.6km and follow signs for the Club.
Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club
The first truly international standard golf club on the Phnom Penh scene, designed by Nicklaus Design, this is a private members club at which tee-time may be secured via booking a package with some tour operators. Generous from the tee, the challenge here is provided primarily by the greens and by the blowing of the winds across the exposed course.
How to get there
From the Central Market, you can arrive by taxi in around 30 minutes:
- Head west on Kampuchea Krom Blvd, taking the first right onto Preah Monivong Blvd.
- After 1.5km, turn left onto Preah Moha Ksatreiyani Kossamak Ave (106) and continue around the railway station and turn right at the T-junction and continue for 750 matres.
- At the first major juntion, turn left onto Oknha Kleang Moeung St (70), continuing onto Street 273 for 750 metres, taking a right onto Street 355 for 700m.
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and follow the road for 7.5km alongside Russey Keo River and follow signs for the Club.