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An under-appreciated gem, Cambodia is home to a number of the best golf courses in Southeast Asia. Together with its stunning cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife and cheap beer, it's an excellent alternative to the more famous golfing destinations in the region.
Vattanac Golf Resort (East Course), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
While it has lived somewhat in the shadow of Southeast Asia's top golfing destinations, Cambodia is now a serious golfing destination in its own right thanks to a number of new golf courses springing up over recent years.
With the recent addition of the stunning Lakes Course at Chhun On Golf Resort, Phnom Penh now has four top class golf courses to choose from, all within easy reach of the city. Twinned with affordable food and drink, breathtaking landmarks and a surprisingly boisterous nightlife, it's now a destination growing in popular with golfers keen for something a little different from the well-trodden fairways of Thailand and Vietnam.
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While Cambodia's second city, Siem Reap, is home to just three championship courses, its relaxed vibe, proximity to the magical Angkor Wat temple, and the bustling Pub Street (where you can get beers for just $0.75) mean that a short golf trip here is also highly recommended.
So without further ado, here are our picks for the top 5 courses in Cambodia.
#1. Garden City Golf Club, Phnom Penh
A mature, award-winning championship course kept in impeccable condition
Garden City Golf Club, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Since its opening in 2013, the magnificent Garden City Golf Club has established itself as one of the top golf courses in Cambodia, picking up the gong for Cambodia's Best Golf Course in both 2018 and 2019 at the World Golf Awards. A par-72 18-hole championship layout spread over attractive parkland around 15km northeast of Phnom Penh, it's managed by IMG, which ensures that the course is maintained in impeccable condition.
A setting that was once flat, featureless rice paddies has been totally remodelled into a beautiful, mature and modern golf course full of bumps and hollows, with plenty of man-made hazards in the shape of water features and bunkers. The changes of elevation make for a nice change from many of the generally flat courses in the country, and you'll often be driving your ball over the crest of a hill or threading your ball around a corner.
The greens are generally large and inviting, although there are some severe slopes to contend with, not least on the par-3 15th, whose putting surface is split into two levels, with the bottom one some 10 feet (!) below the top. Don't leave your tee shot short. The palm-lined fairways are in immaculate condition and are a genuine joy to play from, if you can find them from the tee.
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While the course layout makes it clear that there's a lot of water around, it's less of a threat than it appears, with only a few forced carries to contend with, although the island green at the excellent par-5 11th is a notable exception. Overall, there's a pleasing variety of challenges on offer, including severe doglegs, island greens and split fairways.
The caddies are excellent, offering helpful tips and preferred lines from the tee, and always ready with an umbrella for some much needed shade, and the clubhouse is modern and well-equipped, with the restaurant much recommended. This is a must-play on any golf holiday in Phnom Penh.
Location: 40 mins from downtown Phnom Penh
Green Fee Price: from $129 USD for 18 Holes + Caddie + Shared Cart
#2. Chhun On Golf Resort (Lakes Course), Phnom Penh
Breathtaking new championship-standard course that will only get better as it matures
Chhun On Golf Resort, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Set just an hour's drive north of the lively downtown of Phnom Penh, the splendid Lakes Course at Chhun On Golf Resort is the latest addition to Cambodia's burgeoning golf scene and as the 4th undeniably world-class course in the area, it has turned Phnom Penh into a serious golfing destination.
Designed by Brian Curley from Schmidt-Curley Design, the course is is the first of two planned 18-hole courses, with the second due to open in late 2025. It's an immaculate affair featuring Zeon Zoysia fairways and Zoysia Primo greens, ensuring top-notch playing surfaces and an enduring aesthetic appeal enhanced by the gorgeous white sand bunkers that are certainly the best in Cambodia.
Staying out of the numerous bunkers is the key to scoring well here. If you can find the greens, you've often got a good chance of getting close as a number of the greens are bowl shaped, feeding approach shots towards the pin.
However, it's the par-5s at the end of each nine that will make or break your scorecard, with the 9th arcing around a huge lake to a severly sloped green protected in front by water, and the 18th featuring water left of the hole and in front of the putting surface, making you think twice about trying to get there in two.
Once you've finished, there's one more standout feature in the form of the special par-3 nineteenth hole which plays from in front of the clubhouse to a spectacular island green accessible only by boat.
As of writing, the huge clubhouse is still under contruction, but the temporary locker rooms are more than adequate, and a range of food is available at the on-course tea houses.
While it's early days, as the course matures and the facilities are completed Chhun On Golf Resort is sure to become a premier golfing destination, and is definitely a required stop on any golf holiday in Phnom Penh.
Location: 45 mins from downtown Phnom Penh
Green Fee Price: from $130 USD for 18 Holes + Caddie + Cart
#3. Angkor Golf Resort, Siem Reap
Stunning championship course and Golf Digest's 2022 pick for the best in Cambodia
Angkor Golf Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Conveniently located just 15 minutes east of the centre of Siem Reap, Angkor Golf Resort was designed by Nick Faldo, who was blessed by local monks when it opened in 2007. As you would expect from a Faldo designed course run by IMG, everything is in good condition and well-kept throughout the year. While water borders every hole, the paspalum fairways are fairly generous, albeit dotted with beautifully-sculpted bunkers, while the greens are full of subtle breaks.
The course is home to an enjoyably varied selection of holes, from deceptively tricky short par-4s, long, meandering par-5s, and picturesque par 3s. The fairways are generally pretty generous, but go too far off line and water or sand awaits. While the greens aren't quite lightning fast, there are definitely consistent, and there are enough slopes to keep you on your toes.
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A number of forced water carries present a few risk/reward situations, notably on the start of the back nine where the 11th tempts you to go for the green off the tee. It's further than it looks, and you'll have to carry 290 yards to make it. The S-shaped par-5 13th meanders through utterly massive bunkers, first on the left then the right, leaving you to carefully plot your way to an elevated green that's tough to hold, while the approach to the par-4 15th plays into a semi-island green with more massive bunkers either side. It's heady stuff.
There's only one bunker on the final hole, a 437-yard par 4 that gently doglegs around water, but the fairway pinches and narrows as it routes towards a small green that sits right on the lake, making for a very tough final approach.
Angkor Golf Resort features a modern clubhouse that has been recently expanded and improved, and with catering provided by Raffles Hotel there's an excellent selection of expertly prepared local and international dishes. There's also an excellent 300-metre driving range for those wishing to hit come balls before taking on the course.
Overall, this is simply a must-play course and should form the centrepiece of any golf holiday in Siem Reap. Highly recommended.
Location: 15 mins from downtown Siem Reap
Green Fee Price: from $145 USD for 18 Holes + Caddie + Shared Cart
#4. Vattanac Golf Resort (East Course), Phnom Penh
An immaculate top-class championship course ranked amongst the best in Asia
Vattanac Golf Resort (East Course), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Located in southeast Phnom Penh, about 40 minutes from the city center, the East Course is one of two 18-hole championship courses at Vattanac Golf Resort designed by Nick Faldo. This award-winning course, recognized as Cambodia's Best Golf Course at the 2020 World Golf Awards, features impeccably maintained paspalum grass and is a must-play for any golfer visiting Phnom Penh.
Set on gently rolling terrain, the course is brought to life by lush landscaping and expertly crafted mounding. Its large, intricately designed bunkers and abundant water hazards offer a thrilling yet enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
A unique aspect of the course is its scale replicas of pre-Angkorean landmarks, such as Preah Vihear Temple, Bayon Temple, and Angkor Wat. These structures enhance the course’s character, adding a distinct charm that elevates the overall experience beyond just a round of golf.
Standard GPS-equipped golf carts and the friendly, well-trained caddies help guide players through the course’s challenges, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable round.
Off the course, the golf academy boasts a 28-bay floodlit driving range powered by Eagle Try technology, offering lessons from a resident pro for those looking to fine-tune their game. While the main clubhouse is still under construction, it is set to be one of the largest in Cambodia upon completion. Currently, locker rooms at the golf academy are being used. There’s also a well-stocked pro shop and a dining area for post-round relaxation.
Location: 40 mins from downtown Phnom Penh
Green Fee Price: from $145 USD for 18 Holes + Caddie + Cart
#5. Phokeethra Country Club, Siem Reap
Stunning water-heavy championship course that's hosted numerous top-level events
Phokeethra Country Club, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Conveniently located between the airport and Siem Reap, Phokeethra Country Club is a prestigious 18-hole championship golf course that has played host to numerous professional events, including the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic and 2010 Cambodian Open. One of the very best courses in the country, as evidenced by its picking up the gong for Best Course in Cambodia at the 2017 Asian Golf Awards, it's a water-heavy course kept in truly stunning condition and sure to provide a stiff but enjoyable test of your golfing abilities.
The course features a really interesting and varied layout, but it's arguably the toughest course in the country. Sometimes have to shape your shots - notably one hole has a massive tree right on line in front of the tee box, so if you can't hit a big draw you're in trouble. It's long too, so we'd recommend playing from the white tees to take the edge off. The rough can be punishing, so you could be in for a long day if you're wayward from the tees.
Away from the course itself, Phokeethra Country Club boasts five star facilities, with separate pitching and putting greens, which you are advised to make full use of before venturing you reach the 1st tee. Unfortunately there isn't a driving range, although there are a couple of nets available. The locker rooms are decent, featuring teak lockers, and the pro shop fully stocked with all the latest gear.
The clubhouse itself has the feel of a private club, and the terrace is a great place to unwind after a round or simply tuck into a meal at the onsite restaurant, which serves a decent selection of Western, Khmer and Asian favourites.
Location: 25 mins from downtown Siem Reap
Green Fee Price: from $143 USD for 18 Holes + Caddie + Shared Cart
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So there you have it, our 2024 list of the top 5 Cambodia golf courses. Whether you're passing through looking for a quick round or looking to luxuriate in the endless charms of this beautiful country, there's something for golfers of all abilities.