The Legends Tour, Europe’s elite circuit for golfers aged 50 and over, is set to make its Sri Lankan debut in January 2026, with the inaugural Sri Lanka Legends presented by Intervest taking place at the historic Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC).

For the first time, Colombo will welcome some of the sport’s most celebrated names—Ryder Cup heroes, major winners and Order of Merit champions—in an event that promises world‑class golf, fan‑friendly experiences, and a significant boost to sports tourism.

Legends Tour Chief Operating Officer Mark Aspland says the roots of the tour go back to the Senior Open Championship in 1987, a joint venture between the European Tour and the R&A to create a flagship event for the over‑50s.

Initially built around a friendly Pro‑Am format, the tour quickly grew in stature as celebrated names like Sam Torrance—a three‑time Order of Merit winner—joined its ranks. In 2018, the circuit was rebranded as the Staysure Tour under a partnership with UK travel insurance magnate Ryan Howsam, before being relaunched as the Legends Tour during the pandemic.

Today, the tour is a standalone global brand, with ambassadors including Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley, Michael Campbell and Paul Lawrie leading its promotion.

The decision to bring the Legends Tour to Sri Lanka stems from Howsam’s strong personal connection to the country through his business, Intervest. A frequent visitor, he was impressed by the beauty of its courses, the warmth of its people, and the potential to position it as a new golfing destination.

Over the past 18 months, the Legends Tour has worked closely with Intervest and RCGC to stage the debut event. Aspland describes Royal Colombo as a “perfect fit”—a challenging layout steeped in history, right in the heart of the city, with outstanding local support and a passionate club culture.

The Sri Lanka Legends will offer far more than a traditional golf tournament. Aspland says the tour’s signature “Legends Experience” will see amateurs compete alongside the pros, sharing fairways, practice ranges and even the players’ lounge in a rare behind‑the‑scenes opportunity.

Two Pro‑Ams will precede the main 54‑hole event, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, with professionals and amateurs on course, while the main public days will take place on the first two days, capped by a celebratory prize‑giving on Friday night.

The week will also include a free‑to‑enter fan village with big screens, clinics and fireside chats where fans can hear golfing greats reflect on their careers.

Aspland believes the event will showcase Sri Lanka to a premium travel audience. The Legends Tour has access to a UK‑based database of over eight million people—many affluent travellers with a strong interest in golf.

“We’ll have about 150 people flying in for the week—players, officials, guests—all staying in hotels and dining in restaurants,” he said. “But the bigger prize is promoting Sri Lanka as a world‑class golfing destination and building an international following.”

There are also plans to involve Sri Lankan talent. Local juniors will have the chance to learn from Legends Tour professionals, while Sri Lanka’s own 50‑plus pro, Anura Rohana, will compete in the field, gaining invaluable exposure.

Aspland admits that hosting a first‑time event in a new territory is always a learning experience, but he is confident in the local organising team. The bigger challenge, he says, will be aligning the Sri Lanka stop with another nearby event—ideally in the Middle East—to create a two‑week playing “swing” attractive to Europe‑based professionals.

However, the commitment to Sri Lanka is long‑term. “We don’t see this as a one‑off,” Aspland said. “The corporate market in Colombo has a fantastic appetite for hospitality, and with government support, we can make this a permanent fixture.”

While the confirmed player list will be announced later this year, Aspland hinted at headline appearances from Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley and Michael Campbell—with the added possibility of England cricket stars dropping in if they are in Sri Lanka.

From the fairways of Muirfield to the greens of Royal Colombo, the Legends Tour is designed to inspire fans, support local golf, and bring the world’s greats to new destinations. In January 2026, Sri Lanka will take its place on that map.

Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/amp/sports/Worlds-golf-Legends-to-light-up-Sri-Lanka/244-316732