New 18-Hole Layout by Brian Curley Expands Resort to 36 Holes as Property Becomes Home of the PGA National Golf Academy Cambodia
[PHNOM PENH, Cambodia] – Chhun On Golf Resort has cut the ribbon on the Palm Course, a new 18-hole layout designed by celebrated golf course architect Brian Curley, while also announcing a landmark partnership with The PGA that will see the property renamed Chhun On PGA National Cambodia and become home to the PGA National Golf Academy Cambodia.
The Palm Course expands the resort to 36 holes, joining the Curley-designed Lake Course to create one of Southeast Asia’s premier golf destinations. The partnership with The PGA, which marks the organization’s first formal presence in Cambodia, represents a significant milestone in the country’s emergence as an international golf destination.
The courses form a complementary pairing that offers players two distinct experiences across a landscape shaped by water features, native vegetation and inviting playing corridors.
The Palm Course balances modern shot demands and strategy with broad playability, with generous landing areas offset by strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that reward thoughtful decision-making. It unfolds across lush, tropical terrain with expansive views, presenting a scenic test that’s suitable to players of all abilities.
“Despite the abundance of water across the property, we wanted the course to feel inviting rather than intimidating,” Curley said. “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.”
Among its most notable features are its Lynkz Zoysia greens, an advanced turf being used for the first time on putting surfaces in Southeast Asia. Prized for its smooth texture and resilience, the dense grass delivers firm, consistent conditions that stand out for their speed and purity.
“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 opening marks another milestone for Chhun On as it continues to build its reputation as a hub for golf in Cambodia.
“Brian and Martin Moore’s Flagstick Golf Course Construction team have done incredible work at our property,” said Fabrice Ho, General Manager of Chhun On PGA National Cambodia. “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.”
The long-term vision extends beyond the resort itself. Working alongside the Cambodian Golf Federation and the wider golf community, the partnership aims to help create opportunities for more Cambodians to access the game while developing future talent.
“The first step of this cooperation is to let people know about our country’s potential,” said Oknha Chhun Chetna, Managing Director of Chhun On PGA National Cambodia. “We now have international-standard golf courses and coaching facilities recognized 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.”
With two 18-hole courses and full practice facilities now open, Chhun On offers a diverse range of playing experiences, bringing together thoughtful architecture and world-class conditions in a warm and welcoming setting. The resort also holds ambitions to host significant professional tournaments in the years ahead.
Adds Curley: “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.”
About Curley Golf Design
Initially founded in 1997 as Schmidt-Curley Golf Design, Curley Golf Design is a full-service, U.S.-based golf course and master-planning design firm with a global portfolio of critically acclaimed and award-winning courses spanning 25 countries. Its work includes 22 courses at Mission Hills Golf Club in China as well as projects throughout the U.S., Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Egypt, Mexico, Sweden and beyond. Brian Curley has been named “Architect of the Year” by GOLF Magazine, “Best Golf Course Architect” by Asian Golfer for seven straight years, and one of golf’s “Most Influential Architects” by Golf Inc. His firm’s courses have hosted the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA Champions Tour, World Cup of Golf, The Skins Game, Korn Ferry Tour, among other elite competitions.
Curley Design specializes in creating challenging, beautiful and enjoyable courses, often on difficult sites. By balancing classic golf course architecture with ever-advancing technology, the firm strives for soul-stirring designs that elevate a golfer’s appreciation for the land and the game, with cost-efficient construction, maintenance and operations always top of mind.
