"Best of Lanka Golf Tour"
Though Sri Lanka is virtually unknown in the field of Golf, it has a long history dating back to 1895 when the Colonial Secretary, an ardent golfer himself in consultation with the then Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Joseph West Ridgeway, offered the Alfred Model Farm-named after the son of Queen Victoria to the golf club. The course was opened by Governor Ridgeway and was first named Ridgeways and in 1896 was named the Royal Colombo Golf Club after much restructuring.
Sri Lanka boasts of having three of the finest 18 hole Golf courses comparable to those in Asia. The three courses are situated in Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. The elevations and climatic conditions in each location differ to the extent that some golfers often comment that it is like playing in three different countries.
Apart from playing golf, the guests are offered the additional option of seeing some of the islands Cultural and World Heritage sites and its attractions.
It is 125 years since the Royal Colombo Golf Club was first inaugurated
and is the second oldest outside the British Isles next to the Royal
Calcutta Golf Club established 175 years ago. The club remains a showpiece
after being re-designed by architects of world repute, Donald Steel and
Martin Ebert. The course is absolutely beautiful and the clubhouse is
studded with comfortable foyers, a Coffee Shop named Ridgeways and it
offers much privacy and fine Dining.
This 5770 m (par 71) golf course offers challenges through its many
water hazards and bunkers which can test even the seasoned players. The
sixth hole is supposed to be a treat where golfers encounter the Kelani
Valley train which passes across the fairways.
The Victoria International Golf and Country Club, popularly known as
the Victoria Golf Club located 40 minutes from the royal city of Kandy-
the ancient and historic hill capital. It is nestled within the Kandyan
mountain range, an area of breathtaking scenic beauty surrounded by the
Victoria Reservoir.
This 517 acre 6877m (par 73) course is one of the latest in Sri Lanka
and was designed by the famous British Golf Architects - Donald Steel
and Company.. 
The course layout has taken full advantage of the terrain
incorporating the undulating hillside, planted coconut and majestic Jak
forests, together with the spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountain
and reservoir to form one of the most picturesque courses in Sri Lanka
and the Asian Sub-continent. This area with a moderate temperature of
around 20 -30º C offer the best playing conditions.
This quiet location allows the golfer to become absolutely absorbed
in his game, whilst if he takes a short break, he is liable to spot one
of over several species of birds ; the White-bellied Sea Eagle, the Egret,
the Red-wattled Lapwing, the Indian Roller ; along with the Deer, Mongoose,
Fishing cat, and other wild life commonly found in the region.
The facilities include a charming clubhouse with full changing and showering
facilities ; it has a bar and restaurant providing light meals and all
beverages ; there is a Pro shop catering to all the golfers needs. There
is a large practice putting green and driving range for the golfers to ‘warm
up'. For the non-golfer there are plenty of activities to choose from
; a swimming pool, a horse riding school, mountain bikes, bird watching,
a dip in the reservoir for a swim ; or a quiet stroll along the meandering
pathways in the cool of the early evening.
When the new course in Pelawatte, Battaramulla near Sri Jayewardenepura is ready, Sri Lanka will have four courses to accommodate the ever increasing demand for world-class facilities.
The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club built in 1891, It's located in the cool climes
of Nuwara Eliya; once the favourite hill station of the British ; at
the base of Mount Pidurutalagala, in the heart of tea country.
The 5520 m (par 71) course is situated about 1890m above sea level. It features fir lined fairways, bunkers and scenic surroundings. The 9th is an island green surrounded by bunkers. Water (rivers) come into play on 6 holes.
The fairways are long and narrow bordered by fir trees and thick bushes.
The Nuwara Eliya Golf course demands respect from its players since the
absolute up-hill and down-hill nature of the course requires skillful
placement.
The club has been redeveloped with tremendous changes to the fairways and greens. The landscaping is amazingly splendid and is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country. For the non-golfer, there are a number of activities to choose from : the clubhouse has a bar, dining room, badminton hall and billiard room; they could do a day tour of the Town or the Horton Plains and Worlds End, the Hakgala gardens etc. Accommodation and Restaurant assures the golfers of a pleasant and friendly service.
