“Cambodia deserves to be on the world map,” Duncan Rougvie, Commercial Director of the PGA

Duncan Rougvie, Commercial Director of the PGA, was in Phnom Penh on June 19 to sign a historic agreement with Chhun On Golf Resort. A meeting with the man who has put Cambodia on the international golf map.

Duncan Rougvie, Commercial Director of the PGA

There is something unusual about Duncan Rougvie’s handshake. Firm, warm, that of a man accustomed to inauguration ceremonies and quiet conference rooms — Ryder Cup, European tours, strategic partnerships signed across the globe. Yet, on this morning of June 19 at Chhun On Golf Resort, in Kandal province just a few kilometers from Phnom Penh, the Commercial Director of the Professional Golfers' Association displays something that resembles genuine surprise.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this,” he admits, looking out through the academy’s glass walls, this colossal building overlooking the two courses. “And yet I’ve seen a lot of academies.”

The PGA is no ordinary organization. Founded in 1901 in the United Kingdom, it celebrates its 125th anniversary this year — the one from which all others were born: the PGA of America, the PGA Tour, the PGA of Europe. Suffice it to say that when this century-old institution signs an agreement with a Cambodian resort, the event deserves attention.

How did this collaboration with Chhun On Golf Resort come about?

We are constantly looking for new territories, destinations where golf has the potential to develop significantly — commercially, but also socially. When we began hearing about Cambodia, the Cambodian Golf Federation, and the vision emerging here, we wanted to see for ourselves. And what I discovered upon arriving this week exceeded all my expectations.

What impressed you the most?

The academy, without hesitation. It is the best academy building I have ever seen — and I choose my words carefully. The size, the attention to detail, the capacity to host coaches and inspire young players… it is a world-class facility. Not an ordinary building. I said it clearly during the ceremony and I repeat it: our members and international partners will be astonished when they see it.

And the courses themselves?

Brian — the course manager — gave me time on the course the other day. What struck me is that every element of the design carries meaning. The President was explaining to us just this morning the Khmer symbolism integrated into the design of the fairways, the water features, and the landscaping. You do not find this in most major complexes worldwide — this intention to anchor a course in the identity of a place, a people, a history. It is a story we are going to tell globally.

In practical terms, what will this agreement bring to Cambodia’s golf sector?

The PGA National status gives Chhun On Golf Resort official international recognition. Its two courses are now certified to host major professional events. The collaboration will initially focus on bringing in international experts to train young players and local coaches, while laying the groundwork for Cambodia to one day host globally recognized competitions. We will identify a professional capable of settling here, living in Cambodia, and passing on expertise on a daily basis. This is not a one-time visit — it is a long-term commitment.

Is the Cambodian Golf Federation ready to support this ambition?

There is already excellent work underway in Cambodia, particularly in youth development programs. We are not arriving to start from scratch — we are coming to amplify what is already working. The way the Federation works with different courses and structures, with a coherent vision for the entire country, is a true model of best practice. Something we will try to export to other territories.

Why Cambodia?

Because it is exactly what the PGA has always been: a bet on the future, an investment in territories that have both passion and ambition. 125 years ago, a few British professionals decided to come together to do something great.

Today, we are opening new chapters in countries like Cambodia. It is a beautiful way to celebrate this anniversary. And yes — Cambodia fully deserves to be on the world map.

The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), founded in 1901 in the United Kingdom, is the oldest professional golf association in the world. It now has more than 8,000 members and manages an international network of PGA National Properties across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Duncan Rougvie is its Commercial Director.