Top 5 Must-Play Golf Courses in Sri Lanka for 2023
Discover the Best Golf Courses in Sri Lanka: From Scenic Mountain Views to Coastal Greens
Sri Lanka has a rich history in golf, with the first course being introduced at the Royal Colombo Golf Club over a century ago. Since then, the island has become home to four stunning 18-hole courses located in Colombo, Digana, Nuwara Eliya, and Hambantota.
One of the most popular courses is the Victoria Golf and Country Resort in Digana, known for its tranquil setting among mountains and valleys and designed by Donald Steele & Co. Golfers of all skill levels will be able to enjoy the well-manicured fairways and challenging greens of this course. The Royal Colombo Golf Club, established in 1879, also offers tree-lined fairways and bunkers for a test of skill. The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, set against the stunning mountain and forest backdrop of the hill town, features undulating fairways and challenging greens.
The Hambantota Golf Club, located on the beachfront, offers wide fairways and well-manicured greens for golfers of all abilities. In addition to these courses, Sri Lanka has several other clubs and courses scattered throughout the country, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking views.
Here are the top 5 must-play golf courses in Sri Lanka for 2023:
1. Royal Colombo Golf Club
The Royal Colombo Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka. Located in the capital city of Colombo, this historic 18-hole course boasts tree-lined fairways and challenging bunkers, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The course has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of two new holes, to ensure the best possible experience for players. In addition to the golf course, the club is also home to the Sri Lanka Golf Union and maintains a connection with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland.
The club features a relaxing clubhouse with a variety of dining options, as well as a newly renovated pro shop stocked with high-quality golf equipment. Escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a round of golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club.
2. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole golf course located in the hill town of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and forests, this course offers a unique and challenging golfing experience.
The course features undulating fairways and challenging greens, making it a must-play for golfers visiting the area. The club also has a well-stocked pro shop where players can purchase high-quality golf equipment and accessories.
In addition to the golf course, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club also offers a variety of other amenities and facilities for players to enjoy. The club has a cozy clubhouse where golfers can relax after their round and enjoy a variety of dining options. There are also several scenic walking trails located around the course, providing the opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Overall, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is a must-visit for any golfer traveling to Sri Lanka. The course’s stunning setting and challenging layout make it a truly unforgettable golfing experience. So, if you are planning a golf vacation to Sri Lanka, make sure to add Nuwara Eliya Golf Club to your list of must-play courses.
3. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Club
Nestled within the lush grounds of the Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa, the Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole resort course designed by world-renowned golf architect Rodney Wright. This par 70, 6107-yard course boasts three distinct zones, each offering its own unique challenges and stunning views. The Coconut Plantation features lush fairways and demanding bunkers, while the Dune Area showcases subtle elevation changes and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The Sapphire Mine, on the other hand, boasts large greens and numerous water hazards.
In addition to its challenging layout, the Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Club is also dedicated to biodiversity and habitat protection, integrating cultural and environmental elements into the course design to enhance the golf experience and soothe the senses of players and guests. The clubhouse, which overlooks the 18th hole, is home to a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including a restaurant serving refreshing drinks and pub-style foods and a spa offering Ayurvedic treatments.
Not only is the Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Club a great place to escape the bustle of city life and enjoy a round of golf, but it is also conveniently located near a variety of attractions, including Yala and Bundala National Parks, historic temples, secluded beaches, and quaint fishing villages. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend escape with top-notch golf and luxurious facilities, the Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Club is the perfect destination.
4. Victoria Golf Club
Victoria Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole golf course located in Digana, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Designed by award-winning golf architect Donald Steel, the course is known for its stunning views of the surrounding Rajawalla landscape, featuring rolling hills and natural rock formations. Measuring 6933 yards, the course is challenging for even seasoned players, with tree-lined fairways and bunkers surrounding the greens. In addition to golf, the club also offers a variety of other activities for visitors and guests, such as swimming, tennis, and cultural tours. As a resort course, it also offers accommodation for those looking for a weekend getaway.
Overall, Victoria Golf & Country Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka, offering both challenging play and breathtaking scenery.
5. Eagles’ Golf Links
Eagles’ Golf Links is an 18-hole par 72 golf course located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, near the Trincomalee Harbour. It boasts a stunning landscape with rolling links and breathtaking seaside views, stretching over nearly 7 kilometers of coastline. The fairways are covered with Tifdwarf and Bermuda grass, two of the highest quality grasses in the world, and are surrounded by tall trees and various challenges such as doglegs, bunkers, and water hazards. The course is suitable for year-round golf, with a well-designed irrigation system to handle the occasional afternoon showers that may occur between November and January.
Eagles’ Golf Links offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience with breathtaking views of Clappenberg Bay and Malay Cove. So, it is an ideal destination for a golf tour.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts looking for unique and challenging courses set against stunning natural landscapes. From the award-winning Victoria Golf & Country Resort to the historic Royal Colombo Golf Club, there are a variety of courses to choose from that cater to golfers of all skill levels. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the beauty and challenges of the Nuwara Eliya and Hambantota courses, or the picturesque seaside setting of Eagles’ Golf Links. With a wide range of facilities and activities available, these courses offer a complete golfing experience that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
