The Origins of the Game of Kings

Golf is an exercise which is much used by a gentleman in Scotland. A man would live 10 years the longer for using this exercise once or twice a week."

– Dr. Benjamin Rush (1745 – 1813)

About Golf

Golf is one sport that has lasted for many, many years. From players during the reign of Caesar in golf’s earliest stages to players like Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy of today. Golf has endured the test of time and has come through as an important sport in each part of the globe.

The origins of golf are unclear and much debated. However, it is generally accepted that modern golf developed in The Netherlands during the Middle Ages. The game did not find international popularity until the late 19th century, when it spread into the rest of the United Kingdom and then to the British Empire and the United States.

Golfing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is yet to occupy its rightful place in the world of Golf. It is home to three of the finest 18 hole championship Golf courses in Asia. The three golf courses of international standing are located in Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. And they are The Royal Colombo Golf Club, The Victoria Golf and Nuwara Eliya Golf Club respectively. The scenery in and around the golf courses in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Both in the Central Highlands, are of great beauty and variety. The golf courses running through the untouched jungle and bush, the flying golf ball always seen in the background rich green canopy. Since Sri Lanka hasn’t been known in the perspective of a major golf playing destination, the fairways in these Golf courses most often remain calm. From Colombo these two Golf courses can be reached by car as well as by helicopters and sea-plains.

Etiquette

Royal Colombo Golf Club in Colombo is the most formal golf club in Sri Lanka. All three golf clubs in Sri Lanka have somewhat informal atmosphere easing the players and guests in a relaxed mode. A local caddy would be handy not only to haul around the golf bag but also to handle bargaining with ball spotters and pond boys.

Sri Lanka Golf Package (8D/7N)

• Colombo – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (8D/7N)
  One of the most overlooked highlights of Sri Lanka is the award-winning golf courses, most dating back to the colonial times. The perfect climate makes it an all year round sport with the main golf courses only about 4 hours apart.
• Royal Colombo Golf Club
  The Royal Colombo Golf Club is the oldest Golf Club in Sri Lanka and the 2nd oldest Royal Golf Club outside the British Isles opened by British Governor Sir Joseph West Ridgeway 130 years ago. The Golf Course measured 5,770 yards in length and has many water hazards to challenge the players. Situated in the midst of Colombo City, the Golf Course is an oasis of green, cool breeze and refreshing openness in a tropical environment. More Info >>>
• Victoria Golf Club Kandy
  Enjoy a great golf vacation in an eco-friendly setting in the majestic city of Kandy. The Victoria Golf & Country resort spanning over 517 acres of lush green land is surrounded by the blue waters of the Victoria Reservoir against the backdrop of the Knuckles mountain range. Designed by renowned golf-course architect Donald Steel, this 18-hole. 6945-yard, par 73-course is a favorite amongst local and foreign golfers. Families of golfers have ample recreational options to indulge at the well-appointed golf chalets scattered around the Course including Horse Riding and Biking. The challenging T-shots and narrow trees lined fairways are challenging golfers’ obstacles whilst the 3rd & 5th holes overlook the panorama of the Victoria Reservoir. More Info >>>
• Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
  The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is one of the oldest Golf Clubs in Sri Lanka. Established in the late 19th century. The cool climes of misty Nuwara Eliya with its resemblance to a British village offers a 117 year old 18-hole Golf Course situated at the base of the islands highest mountain Mount Pidurutalagala and acclaimed as one of Asia’s finest Golf Courses. Situated at an elevation of 1889 meters the Golf Course is very scenic, nestled between the Nuwara Eliya town and the surrounding forested hills the 6075-yard course is challenging yet picturesque. Several Colonial Hotels and Bungalows are located around the Golf Course offering easy access to the Club House and Course All our Sri Lanka Golf Tours can be easily combined with each other, allowing you the flexibility to choose the perfect arrangement. More Info >>>
• Eagles’ Heritage Golf Club, Anuradhapura
  The Eagles’ Heritage Golf Club House stands on the middle of the golf course overlooking 1st, 8th and 9th holes, providing friendly and efficient facilities for visitors as well as breathtaking views of the runway and the swimming pool. The reception area is spacious and the bar and lobby area are beautifully furnished and also very comfortable. You can start off the first green from the entrance. The sharp visitors will enjoy watching players teeing off for from the 1st Hole and practicing in the driving range, from their rooms. Architecturally, the Club House follows an eco-friendly design. More Info >>>
• Eagles’ Golf Links China Bay, Trincamolee
  The Eagles’ Golf Links Club House stands on a hillock overlooking the eighteenth hole, providing friendly and efficient facilities for visitors as well as breathtaking views of Snug Cove. The reception area is spacious and the bar and lobby area are beautifully furnished and comfortable. You can take in the first green from the entrance. The sharp visitor will enjoy watching players teeing off for the First Hole, just 350 yards away, and the jubilant putting at the course’s signature hole, the eagle-shaped eighteenth, about 75 yards down the slope at the water’s edge. Architecturally, the Club House follows an eco-friendly design that follows the natural contours of the land. More Info >>>

Sri Lankan Golf Club Address & Opening Hours

• Royal Colombo Golf Club
  It is located in the capital city of Colombo at The Ridgeway Links also known as the Anderson Golf Course.
  Address : Model Farm Rd, Colombo
  Opening Hours : 06.00 AM - 11.00 PM (Monday - Sunday)
• Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
  It is located in the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. It is an 18-hole golf course.
  Address : Nuwara Eliya 22200
  Opening Hours : 08.00 AM - 07.00 PM (Monday - Sunday)