Sri Lanka is rapidly becoming a firm favorite golfing destination. World class playing facilities set in stunning surroundings vie with exciting adventure activities, such as ballooning and white water rafting, for an enthusiasts vacation of a lifetime. Whether you are taking a day to improve your putting skills on one of the greens at the major clubs or spending an afternoon drifting gently above the lush central highlands in a wicker basket, the tropical paradise island of Sri Lanka, rich in cultural heritage and history, is sure to leave you as captivated and charmed as the countless travelers who have visited throughout the ages.
Golf has enjoyed a long and established history in Sri Lanka. There is evidence that the game was played there first during the Dutch Occupation during the 17th and 18th centuries, but the sport really took off during British Rule in 1879. Golf gained its international status through its widespread adoption among the British colonies and the clubs in Sri Lanka are amongst the oldest in the world.
The island has three main courses, each with its own individual character, but every one providing stunning vistas and scenic backdrops that enhance the play. Whether you tee off at the historic Royal Colombo course in the capital city, the spectacular modern Victoria Golf Club or the central highland located Nuwara Eliya course, the combination of pleasant climate, challenging fairways and breath taking scenery makes Sri Lanka a superb location in which to indulge a few rounds.
Colombo is the bustling, commercial capital of Sri Lanka and is home to the country’s oldest golfing institution; the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Built in 1879 and located close to the affluent Cinnamon Gardens district, this golf club was only the second in the world to receive the royal charter. This 18-holed par 71 course features inviting, palm bordered fairways, but unless accurate off the tee, huge trees and other obstacles will hinder your second shot.
It is a tight and challenging 5,770 meter course that rewards both strategic defensive golf and long hitting. It has a number of hazards, such as 13 well placed water traps that feature from the very 1st hole, where a lake protects the green. These hazards are also home to a number of local giant monitor lizards that may be lazily keeping an eye on your play.
There is also a unique attraction at the 6th hole. Steam trains carrying commuters along the Kelani Valley railway chug through the course at this point, allowing for a surreal but picturesque golfing experience. Reinforcing the image of colonialism and the old fashioned charm of days gone by is the clubhouse with its teak paneled bar and cool veranda where you can meet and discuss your round over chilled spritzers.
One of the more recent additions to the Sri Lankan golf circuit is the Victorian Golf Club, which opened its doors to the public in 1999. Set on a 500 acre estate on the edge of the vast Victoria reservoir and overlooked by the spectacular Knuckles mountain range, the club is located near Kandy - the second largest city after Colombo.
This modern course caters for every need, with an elegant clubhouse that includes a tennis court and swimming pool, pro shop, golfing carts, a practice putting green and a driving range. The 18 holed par 73 course was designed to USGA specifications by world renowned course architect, Donald Steel and will test even the most skilled golfer, with long driving on the three 500 yard long par 5s to the short testing par 3s and their fast greens.
All 18 holes at Victoria would be regarded as stand out holes on other courses, but it the par 4, 6th, that has become established as Victoria’s signature hole. The tee box is perched on a peak 100 ft above the fairway, offering stunning views. The course is one of the most environmentally friendly of all golf courses, supporting 70 species of bird life alone and was voted ‘Best in Asia 2005’ by Asian Golf Monthly and ranked in the top 100 ‘Most Beautiful Courses in The World’ by Golf Digest Magazine.
The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is located in the central hills of Sri Lanka, approximately 160 km from Colombo and 6200 meters above sea level. Nuwara Eliya literally means City of Light and was the favored hill station of the British tea planters in the colonial era. The club itself was founded by a group of enthusiastic Scottish golfers in 1889 and hosted the first ever Championship on the island in 1891.
The men’s and ladies’ Championships are still held there on alternate years, making it the second oldest national Golf Championship in the world. This course rewards straight hitting, although you may be teeing off to an audience, as the clubhouse veranda overlooks the 1st and 18th holes. The 2nd hole is a par 5 and the green here is accessible in two. The par 5, 6th, is the longest hole in Sri Lanka and has a wide fairway, presenting the perfect opportunity to utilize the driver and open up the shoulders.
The challenging 12th, 13th and 14th holes are referred to as Little Switzerland due to the undulating, hilly topography of this part of the course. It is also happens to be leopard country, so that should be reason enough to keep the ball on the fairway! After a round or two, you can retire to the charming and restful Clubhouse, famed for its cheese toast and courteous service. It dates back to 1923 and has retained its atmosphere from this era - you can even relax in front of a log fire on cooler evenings.
If you are a keen golfer visiting Sri Lanka for a golfing break, you may justifiably feel that these three stunning courses will amply cater for all your vacation needs. But if you fancy a break from the fairways, there are a host of other activities to occupy you in this tropical island paradise. Colombo offers all the attractions of a busy city, with star-rated hotels, shopping malls and a vast array of restaurants that cater for all tastes.
Away from the capital, the central highlands feature tea estates where you can discover the origins of your morning cuppa and is home to Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s highest mountain. Those keen on botany will want to visit the Hakgala Gardens with 27 acres overflowing with roses and ferns and the Peradeniya Gardens in the city of Kandy, where you will also find the ancient Temple of the Tooth.
Being an Indian Ocean Island, you will never be far from the azure waters and bronze sands of the coast and you may wish to spend a day at the resort at Unawatuna, acclaimed as being one of the world’s top 10 beaches. For the more adventurously inclined, there are the high adrenalin thrills of white water rafting, sailing, mountain biking and hot air balloon rides.
