Angkor Golf Resort, Siem Reap, CAMBODIA

Day 2 (January 19, 2009)

The Clubhouse

We decided to check out Siem Reap’s 2 golf courses starting with Angkor Golf Resort . The tourist brochure claimed “Spoiled for choice is one of the first thoughts that come to mind when it comes to the long –haul golfing traveler”. With 2 courses, there was not much to be spoilt for choice. After finishing our rounds, we absolutely agreed that this is a must play course for any person who calls him/her self a golfer. However, the steep fees of about USD130 per person could be a discouraging factor.

One of, if not the best golf course in South East Asia

I have not played on a more beautiful course...

The fairways were just like carpets

Angkor Golf Resort is off the National Road 6, the airport road. From there we drove on a dirt road to the entrance of the golf club. From the guard house, we were transferred to a waiting van to the club house. We were really taken aback by the hospitality of the staffs, the course design, and the superb maintenance of the course. In my years of playing around the region, no course matched the level of maintenance of Angkor Golf Resort. The fairways were pristinely kept carpet-like. The many bunkers that dot the golf course were well raked and ready for play. Even the edge of the fairways bordering the cart path was well-manicured. I have never been more impressed. I noticed there was an army of workers keeping the course in par excellent conditions. That explains the exorbitant fees.

The course is filled with bunkers. This huge one is the mother of all bunkers.

Nick Faldo left his signature

Constructed on former rice fields, this Nick Faldo designed course is the investment of an Indonesian casino tycoon, Holic Tandijono. It measures 6666 yards from blue tees (7279 black). It definitely has character, notably the many bunkers en route to the greens and waters flanking the fairways.

I had a good start in the first nine registering boogie-averaged score. Instead of taking a cart, we chose to walk. I was too busy taking snapshots of the course. For the first time, I took picture of every hole on the course. It was too beautiful not to do so. My only regret was that I did not bring a voice recorder to record “live” coverage of one of, if not the most beautiful course that I played.

The palm trees unique to the area fringing the fairways

To me, I had never expected Siem Reap to have an international class golf course unsurpassed by most other courses in South East Asia. This is one course I would strongly recommend for others to at least experience once in their golfing life. If not for the fees, Siem Reap would be a popular golfing destination.

Zack & I, another course to remember

Psar Chas (The Old Market)

This was definitely Siem Reap’s busiest market located in the busiest tourist spot in town. It is open from dawn to dusk. It sells the same old stuffs that you can find in any other market. Silks, the ubiquitous karma (chequered scarf) in different colors, Buddha statues, T-shirts and other souvenir items are very much on sale here. Real hard bargain is a must. I bought a leather sandal that I bargained from USD12 down to USD7. I am not good when it comes to bargaining!
I got a couple more jade horse pendants. Then we were out of the place.