Named Asia Pacific’s Best Golf Destination for 2025, Cambodia’s golfing tourism is in its infancy. Any golf package or golf tour of Cambodia is not complete without the irksome and somewhat daunting experience of tucking into a tarantula kebab, a popular local delicacy. Golf tours are meant to have a few challenges, not just on the course, so take the opportunity to light up your taste buds and experience the crunch. Playing golf in Cambodia is an experience: curious cows or mischievous monkeys may run off with your golf ball, or monkey troops will attempt to steal your snacks. Sometimes, retrieving a golf ball from a water hazard may be to tempt fate, as crocodiles are known to lurk beneath the surface. The local caddies will give you humorous advice, adding to the charm of the game when the temperature and humidity may turn a leisurely game into a sweaty adventure.
Golf holidays in Cambodia will open your eyes and your heart to a country that has been named the most land-mined country in the world. The atrocities committed during the reign of Pol Pot left over one-fifth of Cambodia's population dead, predominantly the well-educated people, priests, and monks, in his attempt to wipe out any sign of modern Western influences. It’s now a land with a birth rate three times its death rate. Have a feel-good moment when on your golf holiday and make a detour into the countryside areas where hordes of children run and play in carefree abandonment. Their gorgeous smiles light up when handed a sweet. Experience a warm and fuzzy feeling when you hand out pencils or books at one of the many schools in dire need of a helping hand. These kids are their future.
There are currently nine golf courses in Cambodia. Four are in the capital Phnom Penh, including the country’s oldest course, the Cambodia Golf & Country Club, opened in 1996. Others include the Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club course by Nicklaus Design, and the IMG-managed Garden City Golf Club, opened in 2013. In Siem Reap, you will find the former Asian Tour venue, Phokeethra Country Club, and the Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort, which opened in 2007. There is the Dara Sakor Golf Club on the coast, and a further two championship Faldo Design courses at Vattanac Golf Resort, 15 kilometres from downtown Phnom Penh.
The three golf courses below are worth hitting a white ball around:
Vattanac Golf Resort, Phnom Penh
Considered to be the most luxurious, Vattanac Golf Course Resort features two 18-hole championship courses (East and West) designed by Sir Nick Faldo. It offers world-class amenities with themed, culturally inspired, lush landscapes where stunning water features capture the eye. There are GPS-equipped carts and high-end clubhouse facilities. Its fairways are immaculate, aiming to attract the luxury travellers with a penchant for golfing. The course is designed to challenge players of all skill levels while providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The state-of-the-art clubhouse serves as a social hub for members and visitors, featuring a pro shop stocked with the latest golf equipment and apparel, as well as high-end dining options offering both local and international cuisine. Guests can relax in the elegant lounge or unwind at the spa and wellness center. If you wish to improve your game, professional instructors are available for lessons and coaching.
Angkor Golf Resort, Siem Reap
Another Sir Nick Faldo-designed course, Angkor Golf Resort, has hosted multiple international tournaments. Sitting in the heart of Siem Reap, strategically located near Angkor Wat, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, makes it an ideal base for tourists exploring Cambodia’s rich history and culture. After a day of meandering around ancient temples, guests can unwind at the golf course or indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa. Known for its meticulously designed layout, stunning natural scenery, and incredible facilities, the golf course and resort is spread out over a sprawling area of ancient trees and twinkling water features, surrounded by stunning countryside. The expertly crafted greens and rolling fairways have created a strategic layout of this challenging 18-hole course.
Angkor Golf Resort is not only about the game; it offers a complete leisure experience. The clubhouse features modern amenities, including a pro shop, luxurious locker rooms, and a fine-dining restaurant. For hit-and-miss players who wish to improve their game to a level close to acceptable, professional golf instructors are available. For the golf-loving traveller, Angkor Golf Resort offers elegance and adventure.
Phokeethra Country Club, Siem Reap
Home to the Cambodia Open, the Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap is a premier golfing destination, also nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Siem Reap. A prestigious club known for its world-class facilities, beautifully designed courses, and tranquil environment. Catering for beginners as well as seasoned golfers, its signature course is a wonderland of well-maintained fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning water hazards.
Beyond golf, Phokeethra Country Club offers luxurious amenities, including a clubhouse with dining options, a pro shop stocked with top-brand equipment, and comprehensive practice facilities, including driving ranges and putting greens. The clubhouse acts as a social hub where members and visitors can unwind after a game, enjoying local and international cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
