Sri Lanka isn’t generally a country that anyone would associate with great golf courses. There are only a handful of golf clubs in the country and Victoria Golf and Country Club is for sure the most revered. Nestled in jungle surroundings and nearby mountains, the course has a unique atmosphere and ambiance I’ve not experienced before. Many unusual jungle sounds and the cry of peacocks can be heard as you navigate your way around the ever-changing landscape and beautiful terrain. As expected, the landscape is different from any European or even North American location, so the grasses and turf take a little getting used. You will find yourself playing off of many different varieties of grass, even from the fairways. I played just after the monsoon season, so it was extremely lush and green. Even despite recent torrential rain, the conditioning of the course is of a very high standard, and the tees, greens, and bunkers are very well looked after, as are the fairways and green surrounds. Caddies are compulsory here, which is certainly a good thing as there are quite extreme elevation changes throughout the course. For a course constructed in what is basically jungle terrain the design is very well routed and meanders seamlessly through the forest and around the natural lakes. The course requires precision with many holes being reachable with a 3 wood or long iron from the tee and a mid or short-iron approach. There are a couple of stand-out tee shots, the view from the 6th tee is truly sensational as the backdrop consists of a view of the large lake and mountains beyond from an elevated teeing position. The par 5, 15th was another stand-out hole. At 550 yards, a good drive down the right can leave you with a look at the green but a long approach is thwarted with danger as the green is tucked behind a cluster of palm trees with water behind. The scenery once on the green is quite stunning with one of the most natural and picturesque backdrops imaginable. You truly feel like you are playing golf as close to nature as humanly possible. The course finishes with 17 and 18 both close to the clubhouse and the views continue to impress until the final approach. Victoria is truly a unique experience and for any discerning golfer visiting this part of the world, it’s a must-see venue with a wonderful hotel onsite and a genuine Sri Lankan welcome.