Shangri-La’s Golf & Country Club in
Hambantota, Sri Lanka, will unveil the island’s first resort golf course on 1st
October 2016, when it opens the remaining nine holes of its ecological 18-hole
course. Designed by Rodney Wright on a former sapphire mine, the course will be
the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, set within the hotel grounds of
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa, which opened to guests on 1st
June 2016.
Spread across a vast coconut palm
plantation, it offers spectacular views and distinctive challenges for both beginners
and seasoned players. The par-70 course is designed by Rodney Wright, the
globally celebrated designer and a firm believer in integrating the culture and
environment of the surrounding area into a golf course. The beautifully-landscaped
course takes players on a memorable golfing journey through three zones, each
with its own unique character; The Coconut Plantation offers lush fairways and
challenging bunkers, The Dune Area - with its subtle elevation changes - gives
way to breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean, and The Sapphire Mine showcases
generous greens with an abundance of water features.
The course development was
approached from an eco-perspective, due to the resort’s dedication to
biodiversity and habitat protection. The structure has revitalised an abandoned
sapphire mine, restored vegetation, re-introduced birdlife and uses Paspalum
grass for its salt-tolerant turf, which is resilient in the tropical climate
and allows for a high standards of course conditioning.
Each hole has three decks for
tee-off; Championship Tees, which allow for a course length of 6,107 yards
(5,584 metres), Ladies’ Tees, which allow for a course length of 4,424 yards
(4,945 metres) and Gents’ Tees, which allow for a course length of 5,570 yards
(5,276m.)
Shangri-La’s Golf & Country
Club, Hambantota, boasts an array of facilities for hotel guests – who are
entitled to green fees - and day visitors alike. The Clubhouse overlooks the 18th
green; a welcome for golfers and guests post-game, and is home to Ulpatha, the Clubhouse restaurant which
offers beers on tap, refreshing drinks from the island bar and delicious,
pub-style light bites in a sociable setting. Refreshments are also available on
the course, with all electric golf carts equipped with their own cooler boxes.
The ProShop is a haven for golf
enthusiasts, with an array of golf essentials available to purchase, including
caps, polos, shoes and sunglasses, as well as the new equipment for hire. Caddies
are also available on request to help golfers with their game,
whilst bag storage and locker facilities are available to make the golfing
experience as seamless as possible.
Set beside the Indian Ocean and framed by swaying king coconut trees, Shangri-La’s
Hambantota Resort & Spa is located on Sri Lanka’s ancient Spice Route,
along the island’s lush, unspoiled Southern coastline. With 145 acres of
tropical gardens, there is ample space at this striking new property for guests
to unwind within the spectacular surroundings, and make full use of the
impressive facilities. Notable include CHI, The Spa which focuses on
Ayurvedic treatments, three swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, a unique
Artisan Village celebrating local arts and crafts and an array of al fresco
dining options.
The island nation boasts a colourful
heritage, and its southern coast caters to leisurely exploration with historic
temples, quaint fishing villages and secluded beaches. Shangri-La’s Hambantota
is in close proximity to some of the country’s fine nature and wildlife
reserves, including Yala and Bundala National Parks.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, currently operates over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts with a room inventory of over 35,000. Renowned for its distinctive Asian hospitality, the Company has properties in destinations of Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group’s award-winning Golden Circle loyalty programme extends to all properties of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts worldwide. For more information, visit
www.shangri-la.com.