Hambantota golf courses

Golf is a major part of the history of Sri Lanka and its development as a country over the past 100 years.  While there are many great historical golf courses to play in Sri Lanka, Shangri-La Golf and Country Club in Hambantota is a relatively new addition to the golfing scene.

Shangri-La Golf and Country Club was designed by Robert Wright, who has created as masterful balance between the golf course and nature.  Playing golf in Hambantota is a delight thanks to this golf course and it remains Sri Lanka’s first and only golf resort.

If you enjoy a good balance between golf, sun, sea and sand on your golf holiday, Hambantota and Shangri-La Golf and Country Club is the place for you.  The best compliment you can provide the golf course is that it looks as though it has been there for a long time, such is the blend between the course and the natural surroundings.

A great example is the 16^th hole, which is played over pineapple groves before heading downwards to towards the sea.  With coconut trees also scattered around the course, two of the main hazards at Shangri-La Golf and Country Club are edible, which is fantastic.

Being a resort course, Shangri-La Golf and Country Club does not play long at just over 6,000 yards and makes for a very enjoyable round of golf.  The course comes alive with animal and bird life throughout the day, which adds to the overall experience.

You will struggle to find a more satisfying round of golf in Sri Lanka and Hambantota than Shangri-La Golf and Country Club.

Hambantota is the largest town in the district of Sri Lanka which shares the same name.  The Hambantota District is in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, situated on the coast and this makes it a great place to stay for playing golf and discovering the region.

For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, there are an abundance of national parks to enjoy from Hambantota.  One of the most popular is Bundala National Park and if you love watching birds, it’s a great sight in the winter.  During the winter months, the park witnesses the migration of close to 200 birds, including the flamingo.  It’s also possible to spot animals including crocodiles, wild boar, monkeys and elephants.

Another great national park which boats a vast array of wildlife is Kumana National Park.  You can see three turtle species, leopards, golden jackal, the endangered Fishing Cat and many bird species around the park.

If you would like to enjoy a national park with a difference while staying in Hambantota, head to Ussangoda National Park.  This is a very interesting place due to the rich, red colour of the soil and offers a good day trip, with a lovely beach and opportunity to swim.

If all the walking around the national parks of Hambantota has left you feeling a little tired, Mahapelessa Hot Springs awaits.  Close to the Ridiyagama Safari Park, you could even combine the two in one day and enjoy a relaxing evening in the warm water and it is a great place to visit following a round of golf.