Mahela Jayawardena turns classy golfer at Royal Colombo

Mahela Jayawardena celebrated Sri Lanka Cricket Captain and star batsman shed his gloves and bat to take on golf clubs and make his debut at the Ridgeways of the Royal Colombo playing in the Ceylinco Trillium Residencies contest sponsored by Lalith Kotelawala's billionaire business Empire. The Contest was a rousing success with over 200 vying for handsome Trophies.

'A' Division
Lalin Senadhira has been in great form in recent weeks and last week he reached peak levels with a cleverly compiled nett 70. Sheron Fernando was as good. In the count back Senadhira had a better back nine and was judged winner.

'B' Division
Lal Wickrematunga classy leg spinner retired from active cricket to turn to golf and has been enjoying himself immensely over regular outings at the Royal Colombo. Last week he came pretty good with a superbly calculated nett 67 to win the 'B' Classic, rounds of applause and much cause for celebrating. He was pretty active at the 19th. H.S. Chung came behind with nett 65.

Mahela Jayawardena's debut at the Royal Colombo was a smashing success. From his opening shot off the first tee he gave the impression that he knew what the game was all about. A delightfully good looking swing was the first asset and then came his clever use of the irons. He was described as an almost complete golfer exceptional for a beginner. Jayawardena cracked a stunning 11 under par nett 60 to win comfortably beating Ajantha Mylvaganam by 5 strokes. Ajanatha's nett 65 shocked his entire system and he was so delighted that he was giving Rahula Seneviratne a few bits of advice on chipping.

Course, flags & fences
The Course was playing good and pretty trim but there were piles of comments about the sad state of the flags on the pins. Christopher Dias a stickler for style and classiness with a few others were quite appalled at the sorry state of the flags - torn, tattered and in poor shape. That's not good enough for the Royal Colombo they seem to say. There were also complaints in other areas that the fencing is becoming as infamous as the Bridge. They suggest that the contractor be arrested and demanded to repair, replace or refund.

Seniors
Anwar Jawad a seasoned senior gave himself stacks of enjoyment winning the old boys event beating another great senior 'Joe Boy' Perera.

Masters
P.B. Kalugalagedera also often known as 'Blackstonehouse' tied with hefty Dr. Narendra Wijemanne. Both knocks were superbly compiled and eventually Kalu stole a march over 'hefty' with a better rear nine.