Sri Lanka Golf Vacation

Golf is a game of finesse and style, and there are very few more beautiful places in the world for you to enjoy a game of golf than the island of Sri Lanka. The long history of the game of golf in Sri Lanka is quite evident when one sees that the Sri Lankan Amateur Golf Championship is the second oldest amateur golf tournament in the world.

For travellers who find golf a relaxing past time or professionals looking for a challenging game, Sri Lanka offers three golf courses which vary in layout, difficulty, and playing conditions.

The oldest of the golf courses in Sri Lanka, the Royal Colombo Golf Club is very conveniently located just a few minutes drive away from the centre of the capital. The pleasant surroundings of the Royal Colombo Golf Club are ideal for a relaxing time. The golf course stretches over 6000 yards and even though it is considered the least challenging of the Sri Lankan Golf Courses, the well placed sand traps and water hazards make most golfers think twice before making their golf club selection. Most professional golfers believe that the 200-yard par three 13th hole is the toughest as one has to hit over a long body of water to an elevated green surrounded by bunkers.

Recently renovated, the golf club house is extremely well maintained and perfectly designed to suit Colombo's warm climate. Besides the golf, the food is excellent and very economically priced. The fried calamari with a chilled beer after 18 long holes in the tropical sun is a recommended choice. Additionally, the practice golf range is open to all members and guests.

The next golfing challenge lies in Nuwara Eliya, which is a five or six-hour drive away from Colombo. Situated over 5000 feet above sea level and having an average daytime temperature of 15°C to 20°C, the playing conditions are comfortable, especially during the dry season. The golf course in Nuwara Eliya features some of the most beautiful fairways in Sri Lanka, especially the 12th, 13th and 14th holes which are aptly names 'Switzerland' for there extremely natural beauty.

The club house is a typical hill country building with boarded floors, open verandas, and fireplace beside the bar, where one can enjoy a refreshing drink after a challenging game of golf. As an extra indulgence, the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Horton Plains are only a few minutes away from the golf course.

The Victoria Golf Club in Rajawella, Kandy is by far the most challenging of the Sri Lankan golf courses. This golf course has an unusual scenic beauty as the massive Victoria Dam borders it on two sides. With lightning fast greens and tight fairways, the Victoria golf course is only for those who are willing to take up the challenge.

The club house is small but airy and is perfect for a relaxing time. Besides the golf, the food is great and the service is excellent. After a fun-filled day of golfing, you can visit Kandy and absorb Sri Lankan culture at the Dalada Maligawa - Temple of the Tooth Relic or the National Museum. The elephant orphanage in Pinnawela is also on your way back to Colombo.

Should you choose to travel light, all three golf courses in Sri Lanka are well equipped with golf clubs, golf balls, gloves and tees. However, Colombo features a wider selection of brands, so the chances of you finding something specific are greater. Try out these wonderful golf courses in Sri Lanka, you surely wouldn't be disappointed!

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