Golf in Sri Lanka

History of Golf

The history of golf in Sri Lanka can be traced back over a hundred years. Golf was first played on Galle face Green, the original venue of many a sport. It was popularized during the late 19th century due to the encouragement from regiments of the British Army.Actually, there is evidence that golf was played hear even earlier, during the Dutch period of 1651-1756. However, golf became popular all over the island during the British colonial period when clubs were formed in military and plantation areas.Only two of the original golf clubs, the Royal Colombo Golf club and the Nuwara Eliya Golf club, are in existence today. Both are over 100 years old and 18 hole golf courses in the island.

The annual Sri Lanka Open Golf Championship Tournament is conducted alternately at Colombo and Nuwara Eliya. It is open to all golfers both local and foreign, provided that they have a recognized handicap below 12. In Addition, each year, both clubs conduct their club championship tournaments which are open to visiting members.Whether you are an experienced golf player or just learning the game, a round of golf in sri Lanka in either of the century-old clubs is sure to be a pleasant and memorable experience.


Colombo Golf Club

The Colombo Golf Club was founded in March 1879 and later designated the Royal Colombo Golf club. Its first golf courses was on the Galle Face Green.The club moved to its present location at Model Farm Road, Borolo, in 1896. The nine hole course which was first constructed was gradually extended to form the superb 18 hole course of today.
A spacious two storied club house with a wide open verandah commands a view of the course and its surroundings. The white painted walls embellished with black timber work stand out against the smooth, green, well-tended course.

Golf enthusiasts visiting the island are welcomed as temporary members. Temporary members are entitled to use the club facilities which include a bar, restaurant and a well equipped professional's shop. Golf clubs are available on hire and caddies are allocated to each visiting player by the caddy master.For those who wish to learn the game, the services of a professional instructors are available. The Royal Colombo Golf club is situated within easy reach of the major hotels in the city.

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

Five hours drive from Colombo and nearly 2,000m above sea level lies the picturesque 18 hole course of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. The golf course at Nuwara Eliya offers is reputed to be one of the best 18 hole courses in the East..

The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, established in 1889, was selected as the venue for the first golf championship held in this country in 1891. The club is situated in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town, close to the park. The cosy club house with its boarded floors and open verandah, is equipped with a bar, restaurant, lounge, billiard room, badminton room and a professional's shop. These facilities are also available to visiting golfers on a temporary membership basis. clubs can be hired and professional coaching is available.

Rajawella Golf Club

Sri Lanka’s largest and newest golf course called Victoria Golf Club managed by Rajawella Holding Ltd. is situated at a cool & calm area near the Victoria dam which is closer to the little town of Rajawella in the Kandy District.It take only one hour drive from the Kandy city.



Email: victoria@sltnet.lk