CIR Lifestyle
South African golfer Darren Fichardt has secured victory at the Vattanac Legends Championship Legacy Edition 2025, taking home $88,920 following two weeks of competition at Vattanac Golf Resort. The result capped off what many described as the most high-profile golfing showcase Phnom Penh has hosted to date, drawing significant attention from both local and regional business communities.
Held across the resort’s East and West courses, the extended tournament format attracted packed galleries and delivered a rare opportunity for spectators to witness internationally acclaimed golfers competing at world-class level in the Cambodian capital. Beyond the sporting result, the event positioned Vattanac Golf Resort as a rising hub for premier golf tourism and sports-driven business networking.
Cambodia positions itself as a stage for elite international golf
The 2025 Legacy Edition marked a milestone for the Legends Tour, becoming the first time the tournament has remained in the same city for two consecutive weeks. Organisers highlighted this unique format as a clear signal of confidence in Cambodia’s hospitality, facilities, and event-management capabilities.
Business leaders from the property, finance, hospitality, and tourism sectors were among the attendees, viewing the event not only as a sporting spectacle but as an opportunity for networking in a rapidly evolving business landscape. With tourism and investment increasingly converging around lifestyle-driven experiences, the championship served as a real-time demonstration of how premium sports events can elevate Phnom Penh’s profile among regional investors and travellers.
Sam Ang Vattanac, Director of Vattanac Golf Resort, praised Fichardt’s performance, calling it an inspiring moment both for fans and for the young generation of Cambodian golfers. He emphasised that the champion displayed not only technical ability but also the humility and sportsmanship that define an elite professional.
Government backing and collaboration enable world-class delivery
Vattanac acknowledged the role of the Cambodian government in fostering an environment that supports global sporting events, crediting peace and economic stability for enabling organisers to bring events of this scale to the Kingdom. He also thanked the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, the Ministry of Tourism, the Cambodian Golf Federation, and the authorities of Phnom Penh and Kandal province for their close-knit cooperation.
Organisers noted that the level of inter-institutional support was a key reason for the tournament’s smooth execution, particularly as expectations around hospitality and operational standards continue to rise with increased international participation.
Vattanac Group eyes bigger ambitions for 2026 and beyond
Representing both the Vattanac Group and Vattanac Golf Resort, Vattanac reiterated a long-term commitment to raising the bar for golf tournaments in Cambodia. With interest from athletes, sponsors, and spectators growing sharply, he expressed confidence that the championship will continue evolving as one of Asia’s most anticipated stops on the Legends Tour calendar.
“We hope to welcome all our legends back next year,” he said, noting that future editions will focus on building new memories, setting new standards, and strengthening Cambodia’s position on the global golfing map.
The 2025 Legacy Edition not only crowned a champion, but also showcased the potential of Phnom Penh as a destination where elite sports, tourism, and business engagement intersect—creating momentum that industry players expect to grow in the years ahead.
