Golf was introduced to Sri Lanka, when the British ruled our country, in the year 1879 by a small group of British gentlemen along with sports such as cricket, hockey, football, rugby and polo on Galle Face Green. Though the Royal Golf Club was inaugurated, there was neither a proper golf course nor a clubhouse. The first annual general meeting was held in 1880, and it was headed by Edward Aitken. Until 1896, the club was maintained at Galle Face Green. After Sir West Ridgeway; a keen golf enthusiast, became the new British Governor of Ceylon, a model farm was converted to the Colombo Golf Club. In 1928, King George V bestowed upon the club a royal charter; hence, the club came to be known as the Royal Colombo Golf Club.
At first only British and Europeans were eligible to become members of this club, however, later on membership was given to locals. This course has 5770 metres of fairway. There are 13 well placed water traps as well and 18 holes, 6,560 yards black tees, 6,303 yards white tees, 5,186 yards ladies’ tee. The British influence is clearly reflected through the architecture and interiors of the clubhouse. The Royal Colombo Golf Club consists of a practice range, pro shop, function room, changing room and fitness centre. The clubhouse is the ideal place to relax and unwind after a round of golf. It houses an air conditioned restaurant that serves scrumptious food of fusion cuisine and lets you enjoy the chilled atmosphere away from the humidity outdoors. The Guv’nors Bar is a fully stocked bar room with all imported spirits from around the world with its walls adorned with historical memorabilia relating to the club. The 19th is a bar which has 360 degree exposure to the practice putting green where you can follow the games in action. The verandah is an open air area bordering the 19th hole bar where there are beautiful views of the tees.
The Royal Colombo Golf Club is a popular hub for people of higher social ranking such as business corporates, leaders and professionals who join as members so that they could integrate with other members for social networking enhancing their business.
Members at the clubhouse have to adhere to the strict dress code where it is required to wear long shorts or trousers on the course but not denims and long golf shirts with collars and actual golf shoes. During daytime hours, members can be in shorts and sandals but in the late evenings after 7pm they have to wear collared shirts and trousers.
It is amazing that there is huge area of open space as of this Golf club and course sitting in the middle of the bustling city of Colombo. With its lush greenery and charming atmosphere, members and non members do enjoy a game of golf or simply relax at the bar to escape from their busy lives.
