Every year I have a free weekend to do something entertaining. Last year we visited the ruins of Preah Vihear, which are currently the site of a border skirmish between Cambodian and Thai authorities. Before that we made other long-distance trips to see temples or other historic sites.
This year I had to try the new golf resort. There were signs advertising it in the airport, and I had read about its construction over time. Given that it’s associated with the high-end hotels, I figured it would be pretty good.
Here's their web site. It wasn't working when I posted this, but feel free to try.
www.angkor-golf.com
My initial impression wasn’t right. Prem and I had stopped by the equivalent of the Caddy Shack when I wanted to make a tee time. Things there are still under construction in this particular spot. For example, they were putting in the electricity poles.
We pulled up at 8 am and they pointed to the shuttle bus. I loaded up with about 5-6 other gentlemen and immediately realized that this was the shuttle to the clubhouse. Ah, things are looking much nicer now.
Nicer indeed. I was completely blown away by the architecture and arrangement of this small yet incredibly elegant clubhouse. After renting pretty much everything (clubs, shoes that were about 1 size too small, cart, and caddy), I headed out the front. Sure enough my caddy was standing next to the cart waiting for me. She didn’t speak a lot of English, but was quite friendly and certainly able to communicate well enough about the game.
One glace at the clubs and I knew they were expensive: All new Cobras. I got into the cart and heard, “Ok, ready”. She was hanging onto the back on a special metal frame built just for the caddy. Wow, I guess no crazy driving for me.
The game progressed very well. I’m nowhere near a pro golfer, but for the most part I can find my ball if I don’t hit it in the water and will shoot straight about half the time. It was on about hole four that I realized that she was keeping score for me on my card. Woah, I don’t think I’ve EVER kept score without a few gimmies here and there. This will be interesting!
On hole 4 I had to wait for the foursome in front of me to play, and I was standing near my ball absentmindedly looking at the gorgeous scenery. The course is downright manicured. I thought a cloud had come over since the sun took a break from blistering my neck, but it was actually my caddy. She was holding a gigantic umbrella over me for shade.
At hole 8, we pulled up to an stylish café with cold drinks and snacks. It’s run by The Blue Pumpkin. That brand is really taking off in Siem Reap. Prem would later comment, “The Blue Pumpkin, they are everywhere!”
Around hole 10 my toes were starting to get sore. I think the shoes were probably my size when they first bought them, but the climate must have shrunk the leather. It wasn’t a problem really, I should have spoken up in the pro shop when I first put them on. I was simply too anxious to get started.
Around hole 14 I was feeling the effects of the sun. The day started out cloudy but was clearing. I knew I was going to get burned. The course was simply too wonderful to let that stop me!
Hole 18 was my best: I shot par. I had been averaging about 2 shots over (with a couple really nasty ones).
When I finished up I knew I had to purchase a golf shirt with the course logo. How often will you get the opportunity to do that!
Overall, I spent quite a bit of money on my golf outing. About $250. Yup, it was expensive, but it was also a world-class facility that would likely be about twice that price in the US.
If you’re a casual golfer or more, I highly recommend it should you find yourself in the middle of Cambodia. As an added plus, no landmines!
This year I had to try the new golf resort. There were signs advertising it in the airport, and I had read about its construction over time. Given that it’s associated with the high-end hotels, I figured it would be pretty good.
Here's their web site. It wasn't working when I posted this, but feel free to try.
www.angkor-golf.com
My initial impression wasn’t right. Prem and I had stopped by the equivalent of the Caddy Shack when I wanted to make a tee time. Things there are still under construction in this particular spot. For example, they were putting in the electricity poles.
We pulled up at 8 am and they pointed to the shuttle bus. I loaded up with about 5-6 other gentlemen and immediately realized that this was the shuttle to the clubhouse. Ah, things are looking much nicer now.
Nicer indeed. I was completely blown away by the architecture and arrangement of this small yet incredibly elegant clubhouse. After renting pretty much everything (clubs, shoes that were about 1 size too small, cart, and caddy), I headed out the front. Sure enough my caddy was standing next to the cart waiting for me. She didn’t speak a lot of English, but was quite friendly and certainly able to communicate well enough about the game.
One glace at the clubs and I knew they were expensive: All new Cobras. I got into the cart and heard, “Ok, ready”. She was hanging onto the back on a special metal frame built just for the caddy. Wow, I guess no crazy driving for me.
The game progressed very well. I’m nowhere near a pro golfer, but for the most part I can find my ball if I don’t hit it in the water and will shoot straight about half the time. It was on about hole four that I realized that she was keeping score for me on my card. Woah, I don’t think I’ve EVER kept score without a few gimmies here and there. This will be interesting!
On hole 4 I had to wait for the foursome in front of me to play, and I was standing near my ball absentmindedly looking at the gorgeous scenery. The course is downright manicured. I thought a cloud had come over since the sun took a break from blistering my neck, but it was actually my caddy. She was holding a gigantic umbrella over me for shade.
At hole 8, we pulled up to an stylish café with cold drinks and snacks. It’s run by The Blue Pumpkin. That brand is really taking off in Siem Reap. Prem would later comment, “The Blue Pumpkin, they are everywhere!”
Around hole 10 my toes were starting to get sore. I think the shoes were probably my size when they first bought them, but the climate must have shrunk the leather. It wasn’t a problem really, I should have spoken up in the pro shop when I first put them on. I was simply too anxious to get started.
Around hole 14 I was feeling the effects of the sun. The day started out cloudy but was clearing. I knew I was going to get burned. The course was simply too wonderful to let that stop me!
Hole 18 was my best: I shot par. I had been averaging about 2 shots over (with a couple really nasty ones).
When I finished up I knew I had to purchase a golf shirt with the course logo. How often will you get the opportunity to do that!
Overall, I spent quite a bit of money on my golf outing. About $250. Yup, it was expensive, but it was also a world-class facility that would likely be about twice that price in the US.
If you’re a casual golfer or more, I highly recommend it should you find yourself in the middle of Cambodia. As an added plus, no landmines!
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