Golfing in Sri Lanka goes back a surprisingly long way. The Sri Lankan Amateur Championship is the second oldest amateur tournament in the history of the game - the oldest being the British Amateur Championship - and the golf clubs in Colombo and Nuwara Eliya are over 100 years old. Whether you want to play for fun or enjoy an assortment of courses, you are sure to have a rewarding golfing experience in Sri Lanka.

There is something about golf that make some of us want to spend several hours a day chasing after a little white ball around trees and through thorn bushes in 34-degree heat. For those that find such a pastime relaxing, Sri Lanka offers you three courses that vary in layout, difficulty and playing conditions. 

Royal Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka



Oldest of the courses, the Royal Colombo Golf Club, lies about a 20-minute drive from the centre of the capital in pleasant surroundings. The course stretches over 6,000 yards and has well placed sand traps and water hazards to make most golfers think twice before making their club selection. Colombo is the most forgiving of the three courses but can be very challenging from the back tees, especially during windy conditions. The 200-yard par three 13th hole is the toughest in my opinion as you have to hit over a long body of water to an elevated green surrounded by bunkers. 



The club house is extremely well maintained and well designed for Colombo's climate - very open and airy after a recent facelift. Besides the golf, the food is excellent and very economically priced. I suggest you try the fried calamari with a chilled beer after 18 long holes in the tropical sun. Additionally, the practice range is open to all members and guests. 

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club in Sri Lanka


The next challenge lies in Nuwara Eliya, which is a five or six-hour drive from Colombo. Being 5,000 feet above sea level the playing conditions are comfortable, especially in the dry season. During the day the temperature varies from 15-20 degrees Celsius and you feel on top of the world. The fairways are the best of any course in Sri Lanka, lush and springy. However, the rough has claimed many balls over the years and will test your skills no matter how good you are. Thick thorny bushes, long grass and tall, dense pine trees make "Timber!" a more predominant call than "Fore!" on this course.

The club house is typical of buildings in Sri Lanka's hill country - boarded floors, open verandahs, and a fireplace inside the bar for you to relax beside while sharing your course experiences with other golfers. And once you have had your fill of golf, you can always visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and the Horton Plains. 

Victoria Golf Club in Sri Lanka



Ultimate golfing test on the island awaits you at the Victoria Golf Club, in Rajawella, Kandy. This course has an unusual scenic beauty as the massive Victoria Dam borders it on two sides. With its undulating lies, tight fairways and lightning fast greens, I strongly urge you to spend a few minutes at the practice range warming up before you tee off and embark on a truly memorable golfing experience. 

The club house is small yet airy and very relaxed, the food most agreeable. Excellent service, very knowledgeable caddies and picturesque surroundings make for excellent value for money. After golfing, you can visit Kandy and absorb some Sri Lankan culture at the Dalada Maligawa - Temple of the Tooth Relic - or the National Museum. On your way back to Colombo you can stop at the Pinnawela elephant orphanage to get a dose of friendly pachyderms. 

All three courses are well equipped with golf clubs, balls, gloves and tees should you choose to travel light. However, Colombo features a wider selection of brands, so the chances of you finding something specific are greater. If you feel you're losing too many balls and want to save face the next time you share a drink with your friends, make an appointment with a Sri Lankan golf professional (there are several in Colombo) and they'll be more than willing to rectify your swing for you. The Victoria Golf Club provides lessons given by its local professional.