Top 5 Must-Play Golf Courses in Sri Lanka: From Scenic Mountain Views to Coastal Greens
Sri Lanka, an island nation famous for its enchanting beauty and rich cultural tapestry, has also carved a niche for itself in the world of golf. This tropical paradise boasts a selection of exquisite golf courses that offer more than just a game – they provide an immersive experience amidst stunning landscapes and historic settings. In this article, we will explore the top 5 best golf courses in Sri Lanka, each presenting its unique blend of scenic beauty, challenging play, and a deep sense of history. From the colonial charm of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club to the modern splendor of the Victoria Golf & Country Resort, these courses reflect the diverse and captivating essence of Sri Lanka golf, appealing to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Join us as we tee off on a journey through lush greenery, rolling hills, and panoramic views that make golfing in Sri Lanka an unforgettable experience.
Top 5 must-play golf courses in Sri Lanka for 2024/2025
1. Royal Colombo Golf Club
Royal Colombo Golf Club
The Royal Colombo Golf Club stands as a beacon of golfing tradition in Sri Lanka. Established in 1896, it is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia, exuding a rich historical charm that complements its lush, tropical setting. This 18-hole course offers a unique golfing experience, where well-manicured fairways and challenging greens are set against the backdrop of the city’s vibrant life.
Despite being in the center of Colombo, the course is a tranquil oasis, offering a peaceful escape with each round. Majestic trees line the fairways, and the occasional water hazard adds an extra layer of challenge. The clubhouse, steeped in colonial elegance, provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the club’s longstanding heritage. In addition to the golf course, the club is home to the Sri Lanka Golf Union and maintains a connection with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland.
2. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is a historic and charming golfing destination in the heart of Sri Lanka’s picturesque tea country. Established in 1889, during the British colonial period, this 18-hole layout is one of the oldest golf courses in Sri Lanka set against the backdrop of the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’ due to its temperate climate and colonial-style architecture. The course, spanning across a meticulously maintained landscape of 6070 yards, weaves through a tapestry of native trees and shrubs, adding to its beauty and challenge.
The course’s design utilizes the natural contours of the region, offering golfers a variety of strategic challenges, including tight fairways and testing greens. Its elevation changes and the cool climate make for an enjoyable and refreshing golfing experience. The clubhouse, with its traditional and cozy ambiance, invites players to relax and reminisce about their game.
3. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Club
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.
>>> Golf at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Club and visit Sri Lanka’s magical highlights with our Sri Lanka Golf Package 10 Days.
4. Victoria Golf & Country Club
Victoria Golf Club
Victoria Golf & Country Club is a must-play course for any golf tour to the Kandy region of Sri Lanka, thanks to the scenic beauty with world-class design. Designed by the renowned Donald Steel, this 18-hole championship golf course is acclaimed for its breathtaking layout, with sweeping fairways and strategically placed hazards that harmoniously blend with the natural landscape.
The course is a masterpiece of golf architecture, offering panoramic views of the Victoria Reservoir and the surrounding mountains, creating a serene and picturesque environment for golfers. The layout presents a variety of challenges, catering to players of all skill levels, with each hole offering a unique test of golfing ability. The resort’s amenities, including a well-appointed clubhouse and luxury accommodations, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Victoria Golf Club is more than just a golf course; it’s a retreat where the beauty of nature, the thrill of the sport, and the luxury of the facilities come together to create an unforgettable golfing and leisure experience.
5. Eagles’ Golf Links
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, making it a must-play course for a golf holiday in Sri Lanka.
Undoubtedly, 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 golf courses in Sri Lanka offer a complete golfing experience that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
Read more:
