Lush, tropical design is the architect’s second layout for the Phnom Penh destination
By Toby Ingleton |
Cambodia’s Chhun On Golf Resort, located in the northern outskirts of Phnom Penh, has opened its new Palm course, designed by Brian Curley. The resort has also announced a partnership with the PGA and will be renamed as Chhun On PGA National Cambodia.
The Palm course is Curley’s second at Chhun On, having completed the Lake course in 2024. The two layouts offer distinct experiences across a landscape defined by water features and native vegetation.
Chhun On has a nineteenth hole to an island that is reached by boat (Image: Brian Curley)
“Despite the abundance of water across the property, we wanted the course to feel inviting rather than intimidating,” said Curley. “The strategy and length is there for elite players, but the width and angles give golfers of all abilities room to play and enjoy the experience.”
The Palm course sees Lynkz Zoysia, supplied by Sustainable Turf Farms in partnership with Sports Turf Solutions, used on greens for the first time in Southeast Asia.
“The greens are a defining feature of the Palm Course,” Curley said. “They’re designed to provide a consistent, high-performance surface that will keep the course playing beautifully year-round.”
The resort is located in the northern outskirts of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh (Image: Brian Curley)
Fabrice Ho, general manager of Chhun On PGA National Cambodia, said: “The Palm course reflects our commitment to offering a world-class golf experience in a setting that celebrates the natural beauty of Cambodia. Our partnership with The PGA is another important step in that journey, elevating our resort while helping grow the game throughout Cambodia.”
While the resort is working alongside the Cambodian Golf Federation to help create opportunities for more Cambodians to access the game, its initial focus is to let people know about the country’s potential. The resort’s managing director, Oknha Chhun Chetna, says: “We now have international-standard golf courses and coaching facilities recognised by The PGA, and this opens a major gateway for golfers from different countries to come and play in Cambodia, which will help promote tourism and generate revenue for our country.”
The Palm course has been designed with width and angles to feel inviting (Image: Brian Curley)
Curley said: “Cambodia is on its way to becoming a golf destination that will soon rival Thailand with its quality of courses and unique cultural offerings and sites. As the country grows in the direction of offering upscale destination resorts, I am very pleased with the commitment that ownership made here to first-class construction and operations, certainly raising the bar for golf and driving new visitors.”
Construction of both courses at Chhun On was handled by Flagstick Golf Course Construction.
Read more: New course at Cambodia’s Chhun On resort nears completion (16 January 2025)