Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Nestled in the cool, misty highlands of central Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is a living relic of colonial charm and highland golfing tradition. Founded in 1889 by British tea planters, it is one of the oldest golf courses in Asia and remains the crown jewel of golf in the country’s tea-growing region. Located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town at over 1,800 meters above sea level, the 18-hole course offers a picturesque layout filled with pine trees, flowering hedges, and chilly mountain air.
The course reflects its British heritage in both design and character. Narrow fairways, elevation shifts, and traditional hazards blend into a layout that’s as challenging as it is beautiful. Whether you’re drawn by its vintage ambiance or its cool climate, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club delivers a timeless experience for golfers who appreciate the quieter, classic side of the game.
Course Layout & Design
Measuring 5,520 meters in length with a par of 70, the course features a narrow, tree-lined layout that requires precision over power. Elevation changes are common throughout, and the turf is firm and fast due to the cool weather. With tight approaches, deceptive bunkers, and small greens, the course rewards strategic thinking. Designed by British Army officers, the layout has changed little over time, maintaining a 19th-century feel with 21st-century upkeep.
Signature holes include:
- Hole 2 – A short par-3 with an elevated tee and sloping green flanked by bunkers and flowering shrubs.
- Hole 7 – A challenging par-4 along a narrow fairway bordered by trees and a small canal that guards the approach shot.
- Hole 14 – A long par-5 with blind landing zones, playing uphill toward a clubhouse backdrop and the town’s iconic skyline.
World-Class Facilities & Amenities
Despite its vintage setting, the club provides modern amenities for guests and members:
- British colonial-style clubhouse with fireplace lounge
- On-site restaurant serving Sri Lankan and English fare
- Locker rooms with hot showers
- Practice green and small driving nets
- Pro shop with local and imported golf gear
Host to Prestigious Golf Events
The club regularly hosts interclub competitions, corporate events, and the iconic RCGC-Nuwara Eliya Interclub Match, attracting both local players and visiting diplomats.
Scenic Beauty Meets Sustainability
Surrounded by colonial bungalows and tea plantations, the course embraces eco-friendly practices including reduced chemical usage and rainwater harvesting. The pristine landscape and cool weather make it one of the most naturally preserved courses in Sri Lanka.
Why Choose Nuwara Eliya Golf Club?
- One of Asia’s oldest and most historic golf clubs
- Cool highland climate for year-round comfort
- British-era design with authentic colonial charm
- Strategic and scenic course layout
- Located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town and tea country
Explore More About Golf in Sri Lanka
To learn more about golf culture, tips, and travel in Sri Lanka visit:
- Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) – The official governing body of golf in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka Tourism Official Website – Discover golf-friendly destinations across the country.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club offers a truly one-of-a-kind golfing experience—where heritage, climate, and natural beauty converge in the Sri Lankan highlands. Playing a round here feels like stepping back in time, with a layout that challenges you to think like a classic shot-maker rather than a modern power-hitter.
The narrow fairways, small greens, and traditional hazards make accuracy a premium. At over 1,800 meters above sea level, the brisk air adds freshness to the game and keeps the turf conditions ideal for walking golf.
It’s more than just a course—it’s an experience. The colonial clubhouse, the smell of eucalyptus in the breeze, and the occasional glimpse of a tea plucker in the distance create a poetic atmosphere. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club isn’t flashy—it’s soulful, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.