Sri Lanka currently has four excellent golf courses: Royal Colombo, Water’s Edge, Victoria and Nuwara Eliya. The first two are situated in the centre of Colombo, ideal for a half-day escape from the capital’s shopping. The other two, Victoria and Nuwara Eliya, are located in the central highlands and both are stunningly, picturesque. Victoria is spectacular, ringed by ragged mountains and a huge reservoir, while Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of the tea hills, feels like the Scottish Highlands on a misty morning.

Golf is, thankfully, quite laid-back in Sri Lanka. Royal Colombo is quite formal – although not by normal Royal standards – but the other courses are delightfully relaxed. Day members are welcome in all four courses and the average cost of a round is around £20 inclusive of green fees, caddy, ball spotters and tips. Clubs can be hired but don’t expect the latest titanium shafts. Hires costs are approximately £5 for a round. Packages are sometimes offered if you want to play on consecutive days.

Golfing etiquette in Sri Lanka appears to demand you hire as many people as possible. Your caddy is a must in any case – it is far too hot and humid to be hauling around a bag – but expect ball spotters to be offered. Their fees are small and they do an excellent job. Beware water hazards. “Pond boys” will find your ball within minutes and charge a small fee for their trouble – if you wish, your caddy will handle negotiations.

There is rarely a need to book a tee time, except at weekends. Red Dot will do this for you in any case. We recommend you take lots of fluid while on the course and the island’s great energy snack, bananas, will keep fatigue at bay. It is best to avoid the midday sun too as the mornings and afternoons are far more comfortable.

Red Dot offers a couple of golf itineraries: a 4-night short trip called The Golfing Break; and a 13-night trip called Green Fairways and Azure Seas, an island tour that mixes golf with relaxation on the south coast. Both itineraries can be tailored to your specific requirements, budget and tastes. There is a wide range of golf accommodation available and one of our consultants will talk you through the different options available. For larger groups we can design special tailor-made itineraries. Special tournament packages are also available for some events.

Several challenging tournament are held throughout the year at the Victoria Golf and Country Resort as well as the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Tournaments range from the regular Monthly Medal tournaments to the prestigious Donald Steel Trophy that attracts over 100 players from about 15 countries including golfers from the UK, Canada and New Zealand ensuring the highest levels of sportsmanship and competition. (More)