Sri Lanka's 4th Golf Course Eagles Golf Links Opened by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence & Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Air Force Academy Chinabay, Trincomalee

07th January 2012, www.airforce.lk

The 04th Golf Course in Sri Lanka “Eagles’ Golf Links” declared open today (07th  January 2012)  by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Sri Lanka Air Force Academy Chinabay.

The Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunethileke , Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama, Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke, and other distinguished guests were present at the Occasion.        
  
Golf has an interesting history attached to it. As a matter of fact the known and confirmed history dates back to a few centuries having its roots in Scotland. However, the far more ancient roots are lost in the sands of time and is being debated between England, Persia, Rome, and even Ancient China. Nevertheless, this game where gentlemanly ethics, standards, professionalism, and class has made a lasting footprint on the global scene of sport.

Adding to the growing list of golf courses around the world is our very own special Eagles’ Golf Links Golf course. Owned and maintained by the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Eagles golf course unfolds its lush green fairways in the distant corner of China Bay, a few kilometers off Trincomalee.

In it’s relatively new form, the Eagles golf course is truly complete. The fairways extend down from par 3 to par 5. The challenges are spiced up with water hazards, sand bunkers, roughs and of course doglegs left and right. The view from the teeing grounds is outstanding and breathtaking. A walk along the fairways will take one over rising and sinking carpets of green, traditionally designed arch bridges and under cozy shades of garden hedges grown over.

China Bay is actually a treasure trove of history. This land, which has been blessed with military presence since the time of the British, is home to one of Sri Lanka’s largest airfields which was needed to cover the world’s second deepest natural harbour. During the Second World War, Trincomalee was one of two targets attacked by Admiral Nagumo’s fleet and was deftly defended by the Royal Air Force. The tense military situation warranted a significant presence in Trincomalee. The evidence of their presence can be seen in and around the general area having receded into being relics of a long lost legacy. The Eagles golf link blends in with history in a novel way to link the days of yesteryear to a hopeful future.

Standing at the beginning of the first tee, is the club house. Aesthetically designed to appease the golfer who seeks relaxation the club house offers a unique sense of natural beauty. The lounge and open lawns which recede into the bay can simply mesmerize any body, whether a golfer or not, into a hypnotic spell which can be quite difficult to shake off. Alongside the club house, the Eagles golf course offers the services of luxury cabins which can be aptly termed as star class. This offers the golfer the chance to truly relax, away from the hustles of a busy life. And is it only “Golf” that this course can offer? Well, that is a question where many may get it wrong. Angling is a side hobby which a golfer might want to try out during his stay. The calm and somber waters, that presents itself to the club house and the cabins offer a unique and novel opportunity.

Access to the golf course is quite easy, if one was to discount the journey to China Bay itself. But turning off at the 4th mile post along the A6 highway and proceeding towards China Bay, the journey would wander past the picturesque view of the China Bay airfield. Travel up a few hundred metres beyond the Air Force Academy, and the welcoming sign of the golf course would be hard to miss alongside the road.

The Eagles’ Golf Links Golf Course offers this growing Community of golfers in Sri Lanka a unique opportunity to experience the country and its beauty-truly in style.