Conveniently located close to the city, just 8km from Phnom Penh International Airport, Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club was only the second golf course to open in the country when it did so in 1999. A 7,075-yard 18 hole golf course build to international standards by P&Z Development Ltd, it's spread across more than 200 hectares of flattish terrain, with rice paddies, coconut palms and natural wetlands providing much of the surrounding features. Although it's flat, and the conditioning sometimes isn't up to par, there's still plenty to challenge you, with numerous bunkers to avoid and water on most holes.
Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club has kept many of the natural features of the land and has emphasized environmental policy as one of the main factors in its design. The result is the many native flowers, palms and bushes throughout the course, adding to the splendour of a course that is a favourite of the ruling classes, including Prime Minister Hun Sen who memorably once got a hole in one at the course.
Although there's plenty of water about, it only truly threatens on three holes on the front nine, notably at the two par 3s, the 3rd and the 7th, both of which feature forced carries to small greens. Even tougher is the doglegging par- 9th, which requires a tough approach over water to a lakeside green.
There's another excellent water-heavy par 3 on the back nine, the 13th, but the course saves the best for last in the shape of 18th, an excellent finishing hole that doglegs around water at a right angle, culminating in a well-protected green designed for a grandstand finish.
The traditional Cambodian clubhouse keeps up the theme of environmental preservation, as it uses solar energy to power the hot water systems, and although the facilities aren't quite up to international standards, it’s nonetheless a great place to unwind after an enjoyable round of golf at Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club.