Phnom Penh – A Destination Review by Sylvester van Huisstede

Cambodia, centered between the 2 golfing nations of Thailand and Vietnam, has come a long way in recent years to put themselves on the map as a golf destination. First with Siem Reap where you can play 3 courses close to the world wonder of Angkor Wat and now Phnom Penh establishing itself on the map as the next premier golf destination of the region. Phnom Penh is one of Asia’s fastest developing cities and has more and more on offer for tourists. International hotel chains have also found their way with Rosewood Hotel who opened their doors recently on top of the city`s highest tower, Vattanac Tower, in the center of town. Along the Mekong river in the center of town is where the nightlife takes place with numerous hotels, (rooftop) bars and restaurants catering food from all over the world. During day time, tours through the city where you pass by the historic colonial French architecture of the city mixed with modern developments gives you a real idea of how the city develops. The killing fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are a must for every tourist to learn more about the gruesome history of the country that took place in the early 70s when the Khmer Rouge controlled the nation and killed a quarter of the population. After this horrific experience you would likely need some time to clear the mind and there is no better way to do that then on the marvelous courses in Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh currently host 5 courses including Nicklaus Design’s Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club, the by IMG consulted Garden City Golf Club and the recently opened Vattanac Golf Resort which opened their Faldo designed East Course in May 2019. Garden City is an 18-hole parkland style championship course with large undulating greens presented in optimum condition and challenges golfers of all levels. During your round you have the chance to hear the growls of the lions next door in zoo. There is also a luxury hotel on site and a water park that is soon to open. Vattanac Golf Resort is a 36-hole project designed by Sir Nick Faldo which has created a lot of buzz in the region and in the world with Forbes naming it one of the top 3 new developments in the world to look out for. Currently the 18-hole East Course is open with as you can expect from a Faldo design, plenty of strategic bunkers and the right amount of water that comes into play. The course has a feel of a links style course with lots of Love Grass on the course. The resort provides not only an immaculate course and a challenge for golfers of all levels with 6 tee boxes to choose from but also a cultural experience with detailed scale models of the famous historic Cambodian Architectural structures of Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear and Bayon. The past years has seen Phnom Penh growing into a city that now offers a variety of activities and is becoming a true tourist destination. The city can now also easily be reached by flight with an increasing number of direct flights to destinations around the world.