Phokeethra Country Club
Address
Phokeethra Country Club
Vithei Charles de Gaulle
Khum Svay Dang Kum
Siem Reap
Kingdom of Cambodia
Names of contact for environmental and social issues:
- Didier Lamoot, General Manager
- Meeporn Oeawpanich, Phokeethra Group Director – Corporate PR & Marketing Communications
Phone +855-63 96 46 00 
Fax +855-63 96 46 10
Email click here
Websites www.phokeethragolf.com | www.sofitel.com
Course description
- 18 holes (7,145 yards).
- Phokeethra Country Club is steeped in the history of the region. Within its ground stands the magnificent 11th century, Khmer Empire Roluh Bridge. The bridge has now been declared as a UNESCO preservation site. The bridge, which was renovated by Phokeethra, has become the Club’s logo and led to the slogan “Tee-Off from the 11th century and finish your round in the 21st Century”.
- The Phokeethra Country Club was designed by Major General Weyoj Phetbuasak from V Golf Design Co., Ltd.
- It was opened on 8 April 2007 by Somdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, prime minister of Kingdom of Cambodia.
- Separate pitching and putting greens are located close to the clubhouse.
- The combination of paspalum grasses offers a high-standard playing surface all year round.
Special features/accolades
- The Phokeethra Country Club is managed by Sofitel Luxury Hotel under Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort , with 238 rooms and suites, some 40 minutes by car from the golf course.
- Clubhouse, pro-shop, two restaurants, golf equipment rental, golf carts, professional caddies.
- For hotel guests, complimentary transfer to the golf course.
- Host in 2007 and 2008 of the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open.
Key achievements in environment/social activities
Environmental
- Because this is a seasonally-arid region, we realize the importance of water and have constructed 20 lakes and one reservoir which collect and store around 900,000 cubic meters of rain water. This means we do not use ground water, and can even provide water to local communities during droughts.
- Even though we are self-sufficient in water, we make efforts to reduce water consumption.
- Before constructing the golf course, the land area was very dry, almost a wasteland with few trees. Now the course is green; we have planted 20,000 trees, and 30,000 flowers, we are also adding new flower varieties, including orchids.
- Introducing indigenous plants and creating natural ecosystems, also special plants to encourage butterflies.
- During the construction, no trees were removed.
- Birds were not present in the arid site before course construction. Following creation of the course, we counted 30 bird species in 2006, which has increased to 80 species in 2008.
- Use of natural fertilizer.
- We strive too reduce the annual amount and cost of waste removal. We re-use and recycle paper, boxes and plastic.
- Use recycled paper.
- Reduction in fuel, pesticide, fertilizer. For example, fertilizer use reduced by some 50%. Club house is cooled by natural air, not air-conditioned, which saves electricity.
- Created ponds and reservoirs so that we are self-sufficient in water.
- Our irrigation system reflects the innovation of the hydraulic system developed by ancient Khmer empires. For example, in the 11th century King Jayavarman VII developed an irrigation and hydraulic system that allowed farmers to produce two rice harvests a year.
- Minimal use of chemicals, and use of natural fertilizers.
Social/heritage
- Extensive caddie training in golf, and English, Japanese and French.
- Provide employment to 180 staff, virtually all of whom come from local community.
- Special tournaments in support of Red Cross and other charities.
- Children’s golf clinic during the Cambodian Open period.
- Renovation and management of 11th century Roluh Bridge.
- Mr. Bun Narith, executive director of APSARA National Authority congratulated the Phokeethra Country Club for having respected sustainable development principles and the recommendation of the APSARA National Authority when creating this golf course.
Awards
- 2007- Listed in top list of investment golf courses by TTG Asia Magazine
- 2007- Listed in top ten of the newest international standard golf course by Asian Golf Monthly Magazine
Philosophy
- Protect and preserve nature.
- Provide golfers with the best experience.
- Support the community where the golf course is located.
- Employ local people and train them to be the representatives of the country and golf.
- Provide working environment so staff have a better lifestyle, good and moral way of thinking, health, safety and security.
- Concentrate on the green and environmental focus by organizing the different management programs such water, waste, trees, flowers, usage of chemical, and nature.
- Restore 11th century archeological ruins century discovered in the golf course, with the assistance of National Apsara Authority and UNESCO.
Meeporn Oeawpanich
Phokeethra Group Director
Corporate PR & Marketing Communications
