+66 (0) 88 867 2867
Founded in 1889 the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia.
The tradition is clear to see with the colonial style clubhouse sitting proudly overlooking the first tee, 2nd and 18th greens.
As you may expect from a course that was founded by the British is has a distinctive parkland feel.
Towering trees line the fairways, creating intimate holes, narrow landing areas and a challenging test for all levels of golfers.
Measuring 6075-yards, with a par of 71 the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course is not the longest but the inclusion of numerous water hazards, the intimidating trees, ingenious bunker placement and the deceptive greens create a wonderful layout that is still a joy to play in modern day golf.
The intricate design is apparent from the first tee, a narrow tree lined fairway is further protected by two bunkers at the driving distance, requiring a pin/point tee shot to set up an approach to the green protected by four bunkers and a lateral water hazard.
Longer hitters need to be straight and if they are the par 5s offer superb birdie opportunities. The 8th is just one such hole. 458-yards from the back tees, the hole requires an accurate tee-shot which should favour the right-hand side of the fairway. The approach to the green must fly the lone tree in the middle of the fairway and the water hazard.
The 9th is a short par 3 at just 129-yards. Picturesque the hole requires accuracy from the tee and good club selection. The green is small and heavily protected, short is certainly not an option with a steep drop before the green making an up and down very tricky.
You may think that the 10th at just 262-yards offers a certain birdie chance, but you would be foolish. Longer hitters may be tempted to try and fade a shot around the trees protecting the ideal line to the green, but get it wrong and bogey can easily be the score written down.
The signature hole for the course is the third in a trio of holes that follow the various valleys. At 441-yards the hole demands a good tee shot from the elevated tee to the narrow, undulating landing zone. Right is a good play here, with the trees left encroaching on the ideal line to the green. A large green is protected by a couple of bunkers and a steep slope to the rear.
A tough final three holes brings the round to a close.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Course is presented in immaculate condition year-round and is a delight to play, although some higher handicaps may struggle depending on the day they are having.
A must play course if you are in the area.
+66 (0) 88 867 2867
