Located right at the heart of a sprawling metropolis, lies a lush and well-maintained golf turf; the vast expanse of the turf is dotted with trees, water bodies and dramatic undulations and lets you relax and unwind at a surreal setting as you tee away! Established in the year 1880, this is the oldest golf club in Sri Lanka. The Royal Golf club of Colombo is where the Sri Lankan Golf Union is located and being the governing body of Golf in Sri Lanka, it maintains closer ties with international regulatory bodies the likes of the Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Upon its establishment on 13 March 1880, the first general meeting of the club was held with all of its 10 founding members, the event was led by Edward Aitken who was also the founder of Aitken Spence. During the meeting, W. Law was appointed as the club’s first Chairman and the administrative body consisted of F. A. Fairlie R. Webster and W. Somerville who were popular business icons during that time. The first competitive tournament at the golf club took place in 1887. Owing to the Club’s professional practise and tournaments it hosts, In 1888 the Calcutta Golf Club offers a silver medal to the club; the Medal today is still contested at the club and the challenge is hosted annually.
Being moved to several locations around the city, The golf course properly constructed where it is situated today and was opened in July 1896 by Governor Joseph West Ridgeway; the Ridgeway Links were named after him. King George V in the year 1928, approved the club as royal charter and this enabled the use of prefix ‘royal’ in front of its name hence, the name of the club was changed as the Royal Colombo Golf Club. During the time it was established the membership was limited only for European and British members, however, in 1936 the club allowed the Ceylonese to get enrolled as members of the club. The Club also played a significant role in helping the allied forces during World War II. During this period the clubhouse and the turfs were used by the Royal Navy, numerous temporary stations were built in the midst of the golf links by skilled code breakers of the Far East Combined Bureau which was known as ‘HMS Anderson’.
Having a proud legacy that has colonial routes, the golf club today dazzles as a popular destination in Colombo where you could indulge in a relaxing play experience. The club welcomes visitors and you could buy golf gear and even savour a decadent meal at the restaurant located within the club. If you are planning to join a club of elite golf players or you could even become a member at the club.
