Cambodia Golf & Country Club

Cambodia Golf & Country Club opened back in 1996 to claim its place in the history of Cambodia golf as the first international-level golf development in the kingdom. Located conveniently close to Phnom Penh, the tranquil drive 20 miles west on Highway 4 provides a sense of relief from the busy activity of the nation’s capital. This seasoned layout rests on 120 hectares of undulating terrain surrounded by rich farmland. Very natural-looking water hazards come into play on no fewer than 10 holes, one of which presents you with an island green.

Too many cooks may spoil your broth but teamwork at this facility has brought you fine golf. While vanity course designers tend to be very proprietary, here we have a case where more is more. Taiwanese and Japanese developers have collaborated in designing and engineering a first-rate property with each of its two nines having distinctly individual personalities.

The local nickname for the layout is Sugar Palm owing to the omnipresent palm trees that dominate the front nine, which presents large greens and generally flat fairways dotted with the aforementioned palms and other indigenous trees. The greens on the outward nine are a little larger than normal but that allows the cup to be moved to more locations helps spread the traffic and keeps the greens in good condition.

After the turn on this Phnom Penh golf course, the back nine is a real wake-up call featuring smaller greens, hillier lies on multiple elevation changes, and numerous water hazards. Playing the entire course covers a respectable 7077 yards, but most players choose one of the forward tee positions that make this track user-friendly for middle to high handicappers.

Both nines have their share of bunkers that often surprise you, especially on the front. Holes 9 and 18 both play in excess of 400 yards and finish along opposite sides a 267-yard lake; number 9 has water all down the right and 18 is defined by water the full length on its left. On 9 the fairway is as flat as the lake next to it and there are a couple of bunkers in the landing area that will save tee shots from reaching the water. A mere 100 yards away across the lake, the fairway at 18 is a dozen feet higher, slopes toward the lake, and has nothing but luck to keep you from getting wet if you get it going left off the tee.

There are a number of parallel holes on both nines but ample space has been allocated between the fairways, often with trees, sand traps, or water helping to insulate you from neighboring play. The par three holes are all pretty straightforward on this layout until you reach hole 14 where you will have the fun of playing a 164-yard tee shot from the tips to an actual island green that is slightly elevated relative to the tee.

In addition to the sugar palms—considered one of Cambodia’s national treasures—you will enjoy seeing native fruit trees, tropical evergreens, various tropical plants and flowers, and indigenous rock formations.

The inviting French country motif beckons you at the clubhouse where you will find all of the facilities and amenities one would expect at a socially prominent club, including Guest Reception, Ballroom, Pro-shop, Locker Rooms, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Cafe, and Dining Room. They have the capacity to host international or regional championship golf competitions, as well as conventions, weddings, and other functions.

The management advertises a no-tipping policy regarding the caddies, but most golfers will find a way to slip their caddie a proper gratuity out of sight of the starter or caddie master.

Contact one of our booking professionals to learn more and to add this course to a Cambodia golf package for you or your group.