GOLF IN SRI LANKA
THE VICTORIA GOLF AND COUNTRY RESORT – NEAR
KANDY
It
was the British who established the game in Sri
Lanka as the history books tell us on and about
the year of 1860.
The renowned UK based architect, Donald Steel,
was given the task of designing the Victoria
Golf Club in 1994.
He had to work around misty mountains, natural
rock formations and an environment that was home
to at least 70 types of birds, types of deer,
mongoose and fishing cats. Golf being the major
highlight of the course no traveler is limited
to it alone. Mountain bikes are available for
those who wish to scout the surrounding of the
course. Nature trails and bird watching
locations are there for the environmentalist
traveler. And the 8 Km water frontage of the
Victoria Tank offers a cool dip, some quiet
fishing.
A good canoeing workout or a sailors paradise.
The average temperatures vary from 20-28
degrees, perfect for these outdoor excursions.
Whatever activity you may involve yourself in at
the Victoria Golf Club is bound to leave all
your senses fully satisfied.
THE ROYAL COLOMBO GOLF CLUB
The
Royal Colombo Golf Course is the oldest in the
country. Founded in 1879, it is the 4th oldest
Golf Course outside the UK. Today the club
proudly announces a membership of around 3000
members and has a history of 125 years.
Ironically, the Course is situated in the midst
of the busy hub of Colombo. Yet it never fails
to amaze every golfer with its calm and tranquil
surroundings.
The
lush greens, the tall pines, the ponds in bloom
with water lilies and the landmark Kelani Valley
Railway Line that runs across the course all add
to its natural beauty. The Royal Colombo Golf
Club is the ideal course for golfers on
business. Not to mention the golfer who likes a
round or two every day.
THE NUWARA ELIYA GOLF CLUB
In
its literal meaning Nuwara Eliya means the 'City
of Light'. Here at an altitude of 2070 meters
lies the 70 par, 5520 metre long course. This
course is reputed to be one of Asia's finest
Golf Courses.
The fairways are long and narrow and broadened
by fir trees, dense groves, bunkers and hilly
surroundings. The atmosphere allows the player
to drift in to another time and play a round at
their own pace. Yet this Course demands skilful
'position play' and the hilly terrain makes it
essential that the players cope with up-hill and
down-hill lies. There are also 6 holes where
rivers come into play. A challenging course,
amidst picture post card surroundings.
WATERS EDGE GOLF COURSE – COLOMBO
The newest addition to the Sri Lankan golfing
arena, the Par 72, 18 hole Golf Course was
completed at the end of 2005. Located amidst
tranquil and natural surroundings, the majority
of this land area is covered by waterways, which
are the main hazards.
The course has five par 5's, five par 3's and
eight par 4's. Being almost link like in design,
the wind will also make it challenging whilst
making playing conditions pleasant.
The driving range has 20 bays, 300 meters in
length and floodlit for practice at night.
Golfers have a choice of practicing off turf or
on artificial mats. There is also be a chip and
putt area with bunkers, a restaurant and car
parking facilities that could be directly
accessed from the main road. This is also the
ideal place for golfers to unwind and relax to
the soothing sounds of rare and exotic species
of birds.
