From Dubai golfer Andy Andrews returns home to lead Sri Lanka's golfing future

Khaleej Times

6 days ago

In a story that comes full circle, former Dubai-based professional golfer Andy Andrews has been appointed Director of Golf at the prestigious Royal Colombo Golf Club.
For those who knew Andy during his years at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, this appointment feels less like a surprise and more like a natural next step in a life defined by excellence, dedication, and vision.
Andy's journey from the UAE to Colombo is marked by over two decades of relentless pursuit of growth—first as a golfer, then as a coach, and now as a leader set to shape the future of Sri Lankan golf.
For those who teed off with Andy in the early mornings at Dubai Creek, his powerful drives and disciplined approach to the game were unmistakable.
A +3 handicap when he turned pro in 2011, Andy had already made waves as a three-time UAE Order of Merit Junior Champion and the 2003 Emirates Junior Champion.
He was a fierce competitor, known as much for his athleticism as for his sportsmanship—traits that set the foundation for a career on the MENA Tour, Asian Development Tour, Thai Tour, and the PGTI.
'Dubai shaped who I became as a player and a person,' Andy says. 'It gave me access to top-tier coaching, competition, and a vibrant community that pushed me to raise my standards every single day.'
A Global Journey with Sri Lankan Roots
Though Andy's career saw him travel across continents—from IMG Academy in Florida to college golf in Texas—his heart never left Sri Lanka. Now, as the newly appointed Director of Golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Andy returns not only with accolades but with a vision to elevate the game.
Founded in 1879, Royal Colombo is more than just Sri Lanka's oldest golf club—it's a national institution. And Andy sees it as fertile ground for transformation.
'Our club has an incredible legacy,' he says. 'My mission is to blend that heritage with a high-performance, modern approach to player development and golf operations.'
More Than a Golfer
Beyond the green, Andy is also a pioneering figure in Sri Lankan fitness. As co-founder of CrossFit Ceylon and a certified high-performance coach, he has inspired a generation to pursue elite athleticism across multiple disciplines. His own athletic achievements—national recognition in three sports and podium finishes in weightlifting—speak to a philosophy built on discipline.
'CrossFit changed the way I trained for golf,' Andy explains. 'It gave me strength, explosiveness, and mental toughness. Now, I bring that same holistic approach to my coaching and leadership.'
The Vision Ahead
In his new role, Andy is introducing structured, data-driven programs for members, aimed at enhancing not just performance but also participation and community engagement. His leadership style—steeped in integrity and fueled by experience—is already being felt on the fairways of Colombo.
'I want RCGC to be a place where junior golfers dream big, where pros fine-tune their edge, and where members at every level feel inspired,' he says. 'It's about creating a legacy, not just managing a club.'
A Nod to Dubai
For those who played alongside Andy during his Dubai years, his appointment to a highly prestigious position in Colombo is a source of pride and nostalgia. Many will remember his towering drives, his quiet focus, and his unshakable love for the game. Today, they would also recognize a leader—one who carries the values forged in Dubai into every decision he makes in Sri Lanka.
In Andy Andrews, Sri Lanka gains more than just a Director of Golf—it gains a visionary athlete returning home to redefine what's possible.