Sri Lanka has almost everything that a tourist would look for- the aesthetic tropical beaches, lush surroundings, salubrious hills, verdant vegetation and a thousand other delights. It comes as no surprise that this island paradise also makes the perfect destination for a golf holiday. The game of golf in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), was rumored to have been played by the occupying Dutch, as far back as 1656.The association with golf is more than a century old and the Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship, which was instituted in the year 1891 follows the British Amateur Golf Championship, as the oldest national championship in the world.

Sri Lanka boasts of having three of the finest 18 hole Golf courses comparable to those in Asia. Play at sea level in the bustling cupital Colombo, at 1500 feet above sea level in the hill cupital Kandy and 6000 feet above sea level in the cool clear air, nestled aminy the tea mountains of 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.

1) Royal Colombo Golf Club - was first inaugurated in 1879 and is the second oldest outside the British Isles next to the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. The club remains a showpiece after being re-designed by architects of world repute, Donald Steel and Martin Ebert. This 5770 m (par 71) golf course offers challenges through its many water hazards and bunkers which can test even the seasoned players.

2) Victoria International Golf and Country Resort – is 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. It was voted among the 100 most beautiful golf courses in the world, and number one on the Asian subcontinent. The golf course was designed in 1997 by internationally acclaimed course architects Donald Steel & Co, and was built and is maintained to U.S.G.A. standards, Victoria golf course offers an inspirational challenge and a great holding experience, whatever your handicap, and within the most breathtaking setting.

3) 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.