Royal Colombo Golf Club
Established in 1879, the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) is a true icon of golf in Asia and the second-oldest Royal golf club outside the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, this 18-hole course blends colonial charm with lush greenery and a relaxed, traditional atmosphere. Surrounded by tree-lined fairways and historic clubhouse architecture, the club is a favorite among diplomats, expatriates, business leaders, and local members. With its proximity to the city center, it offers an accessible yet exclusive golfing experience for both residents and visiting golf enthusiasts.
The RCGC has played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s golfing history and continues to be a prestigious venue for amateur tournaments and private events. Its enduring legacy, timeless setting, and community-driven ethos make it a cultural landmark in Colombo’s sporting scene. The course itself is compact and strategic—ideal for those who enjoy a refined round of golf without venturing far from the city.
Course Layout & Design
The Royal Colombo Golf Club features a classic parkland layout with a par of 71 and a total yardage of around 6,330 yards. Despite its flat terrain, the course presents a challenge with its narrow fairways, subtle doglegs, and water features that come into play on several holes. Tall trees, colonial-era fencing, and the occasional train crossing through the course create a unique atmosphere that blends tradition with character.
Signature holes include:
- Hole 5 – A long par-4 with out-of-bounds on the right and a tricky approach shot guarded by bunkers and mature trees.
- Hole 9 – This par-3 plays over a pond and requires precise club selection to a small, elevated green.
- Hole 15 – A tight par-4 where accuracy is key, with the railway line running adjacent to the fairway and adding a historic backdrop to your shot.
World-Class Facilities & Amenities
The RCGC offers elegant and historic facilities that complement the course’s storied past. Visitors can enjoy:
- Colonial-style clubhouse with lounges and reading rooms
- Restaurant serving local and international cuisine
- Fully stocked pro shop
- Locker rooms with showers and day-use lockers
- Practice putting green and driving nets
Host to Prestigious Golf Events
The Royal Colombo Golf Club hosts the Sri Lanka Amateur Championship, corporate tournaments, and prestigious interclub matches with regional and international golf clubs.
Scenic Beauty Meets Sustainability
Though located in a bustling city, RCGC is a tranquil oasis filled with manicured lawns, banyan trees, and flowering shrubs. The club employs eco-conscious maintenance practices and water management systems that respect its historic landscape.
Why Choose Royal Colombo Golf Club?
- The oldest and most historic golf club in Sri Lanka
- Located in the heart of Colombo with easy access
- Charming colonial setting with modern services
- Ideal for casual play, business networking, and tournaments
- A peaceful retreat from urban life without leaving the city
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.
While Royal Colombo Golf Club holds the distinction of being one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia and offers a heritage-rich layout in the heart of Colombo, our recent attempts to engage with the club have highlighted a critical concern: lack of responsiveness.
Despite multiple efforts, the club has not responded to email inquiries and has been unreachable by phone through the contact details provided on their official channels. This lack of communication makes it difficult for international visitors or golf tour operators to make reliable bookings or seek clarifications in advance.
Although the course itself may still offer a unique colonial-era experience, the poor accessibility and unresponsive customer service significantly diminish its appeal as a travel-friendly golf destination.
As a result, we currently do not recommend Royal Colombo Golf Club for international bookings via GolfSG.net until their communication and customer support standards are improved.