Where legacy meets leisure on Sri Lanka’s oldest course.

Explore Sri Lanka's most iconic golf courses with PGTC's exclusive insider access, curated by professionals who know every flag, fairway, and hidden gem.

Location:

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Holes / Par / Yardage:

18, 71, 6,560 yards

Course Architect:

British colonial engineers (original); updated design

Year Founded:

1879

Terrain:

Parkland


Fairways:

Native cow grass

Slope rating:

 71.3/127

Altitude:

7m (23ft)

Website:

www.rcgcsl.com

More Than a Century of Championship Spirit

Founded in 1879, the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) stands as Sri Lanka’s oldest golf institution and the second oldest Royal golf club outside the United Kingdom. Born on the spirited grounds of Galle Face Green, it grew from a humble gathering of British sportsmen into a regal golf sanctuary with over a century of rich sporting heritage.

Nestled in the heart of Colombo, this city parkland course combines vintage charm with modern amenities. Native cow grass fairways and TIFEAGLE greens wrap around a historical narrative that stretches from colonial Ceylon to modern-day Sri Lanka, with every stroke echoing a story.

Signature Holes Spotlight:
The Icons of the Course

Discover holes that have tested the mettle of champions and delighted leisure players alike. Notable highlights include:

Hole 1 - "Mara One"

Framed by beauty, won by precision.

A signature challenge at RCGC, Mara One threads past the 18th fairway toward a water-guarded green, framed by the iconic rain tree that gives the hole its name.

Hole 2 - Rail Side

Thread the needle between steel and silence.

Flanked by out-of-bounds on both sides, the railway to the right, and army quarters to the left. Railside demands accuracy off the tee. A fairway bunker and pond guard the approach, making this a test of control from start to finish.

Hole 5 – Amen Corner

Stroke Index 1. A fallen tree marks the landing zone on this dogleg left, while water and bunkers protect the green. With OB lurking and monkeys watching from the willows, only the bold take the direct line. Miss, and the cemetery behind the green might feel inviting.

Hole 6 – Rail Crossing

A reachable par 4 for the brave, but the railway line can easily derail your drive. A pond forces a lay-up for many, and a tight landing zone demands precision. Overshoot, and you're facing sand or OB.

Hole 12 – Island Green

A short par 4 with a dramatic finish, water surrounds the green, and a narrow drive funnels into a wide fairway. The approach is a true target shot, rewarding finesse over force.

Hole 13 – Signature

Set over marshland, this tee shot must carry cleanly to the green. Bunkers and hillocks surround the landing zone, challenging even the sharpest short game.

Hole 14 – Eagles Dare

A bold name for a bold hole. Protective netting lines the left, water guards the dogleg green, and uneven lies test every swing. Going for it in two? You’ll need courage and precision.

Hole 15 – Long Haul

True to its name, this long par 4 punishes hooks with water and forest. A narrowing tree line traps second shots, but from 120 yards in, it opens, rewarding those who drive with distance and discipline.

Hole 16 – Sand Trap

From an elevated tee, deception rules. The green is long, narrow, and heavily bunkered. Distance control is everything.

Hole 17 – Hard Yards

A classic par 4 with tall trees offering shelter from OB left. Miss right, and you’re in the bunker with a long second shot over trees or water. It’s a grind from tee to green.

Hole 18 – Criss Cross

Tempting for long hitters, this closing hole crosses the 1st and dares you to reach the green. But mangroves, water, and a fairway bunker demand restraint. A well-placed drive sets up a clean mid-iron to the elevated finish.

Enjoy the complete experience with first-class amenities

Step beyond the fairway and into a realm of refined comfort. The Royal Colombo Golf Club offers a full suite of first-class amenities — from a stately colonial-era clubhouse and professional-grade practice areas to attentive caddie services and a well-stocked Pro Shop. It’s the complete experience for players who appreciate the finer details both on and off the course.

Tailored Packages Featuring This Course

Pair this iconic course with luxury stays, curated excursions, and seamless transfers. These handpicked PGTC packages include the Royal Colombo Golf Club as part of an unforgettable golf itinerary.

7 Days | 6 Nights | Golf in the cultural capital

The greens and glory tour of Sri Lanka’s heartland

From the vibrant energy of Colombo to the misty highlands of Kandy, this itinerary masterfully balances championship golf with profound cultural encounters. It’s a journey of contrast and discovery, designed for the discerning traveler.

Let’s Get You on the Green

Ready to book your tee time or customize a full itinerary? Send us your details, and we’ll build your dream tour from the ground up.

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