Sri Lanka is one of Asia's hidden gems for golf tourism, offering world-class championship courses set among tea-covered mountains, tropical forests, and stunning oceanfront landscapes. With year-round golfing opportunities due to varying climate zones, it is an excellent destination for both amateur and professional golfers.
Premier Golf Courses in Sri Lanka
Royal Colombo Golf Club (Colombo)
Established in 1880, the Royal Colombo Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs outside the United Kingdom. This historic 18-hole, Par 71 championship course is located in the heart of Colombo, offering a colonial atmosphere combined with modern practice ranges, clubhouse facilities, and pro shops. It is ideal for starting or ending your Sri Lankan golf holiday.
Victoria Golf & Country Resort (Kandy)
Located about 25 km from Kandy and designed by renowned architect Donald Steel, this course is consistently ranked among Asia's finest. The 18-hole course features dramatic elevation changes and offers spectacular views of the Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles mountain range. The resort also provides luxury villas, horseback riding, kayaking, and fine dining.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (Hill Country)
Founded in 1889, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is set amidst tea plantations at nearly 1,900 meters above sea level. It features a cool climate, narrow fairways, challenging river crossings, and rich colonial charm. It is one of the most picturesque and historic courses in Asia.
Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort (South Coast)
This is Sri Lanka's only luxury oceanfront resort golf course. The 18-hole championship course features beautiful lakes, coconut plantations, and views of the Indian Ocean. Designed with sustainable principles, it is perfect for combining golf with a luxury beach holiday and spa experience.
Eagles' Golf Links (East Coast)
A scenic 18-hole course on Sri Lanka's east coast near Trincomalee. It features refreshing coastal breezes, panoramic sea views, and a relaxed, uncrowded playing environment suitable for golfers seeking a unique, tranquil setting.
Luxury Golf Holiday Additions
For premium travelers, you can enhance a golf itinerary with VIP airport fast-track service, luxury chauffeur-driven vehicles, stays at 5-star golf resorts, private coaching, helicopter transfers between courses, fine dining with wine pairings, spa treatments, tea plantation visits, private safaris, and sunset yacht cruises.
Best Time to Play Golf
- West & Hill Country (Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya) – December to April
- South Coast (Hambantota) – December to April
- East Coast (Trincomalee) – May to September
This seasonal pattern allows visitors to enjoy golf somewhere on the island almost every month of the year.