Golf’s “Train the Trainer” programme launched
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Recipients of certificates with SLGU officials
The Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU), the governing body of Golf in Sri Lanka, inaugurated its ‘Train the Trainer’ programme, under the guidance of a Class ‘A’ Professional (PGTCA). Under the new programme the first batch of trainers underwent a residential coaching camp at the Aqua Range in Welisara, a implausible golf facility managed by the Sri Lanka Navy.
“The Junior Golf Development Plan of introducing Golf to Schools islandwide, will need a substantial pool of trainers and golfing facilities to reach as many areas as possible. This move is the first step towards that goal,” SLGU issuing a press release stated.
Subsequently, the trainees sat for a written test, oral test and also a ‘mock-teaching stint’ as well at the Aqua 
Range. The trainees were also subjected to a ‘playability’ test, at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC), to two rounds of Golf. After the overall assessment of written, oral, professionalism and playing ability, Pria Hemantha of the Victoria Golf and Country Resort (VGC), scored the highest overall points to achieve the Level 2 Coaching License from the SLGU. B.G. Lalith Kumara of RCGC, R. Logaraja from VGCR and D.M. Pradeep Bandara from Sri Lanka Navy also received the License.
A simple but refined ceremony to award the certificates was held at the Ridgeways at RCGC, in the presence of SLGU office bearers, its President Priath Fernando, Secretary Ken de Alwis, Treasurer Dilhan Abhayaratne, Vice President Johnny de Saram, who gave away the certificates. The Junior Golf Development Sub Committee members, Chandana Weerasinghe and Dirk Flamer Caldera were also present. Kasi Adhikaramge, the Director Business Development and Operations, representing Garmin also addressed the gathering. Garmin have pledged to provide Golf Technological equipment with regard to swing analysis, a tool which will be provided to the trainers to use during their coaching sessions to students.
Anil Perera, a PGTCA qualified Class ‘A’ Coach from Canada, conducted the programme. He stated that the commitment and ability displayed by the trainers who received the Level 2 Coaching License from SLGU, is nothing less than the American professionals. Perera also elaborated that he was confident the Sri Lankan trainers have tremendous potential as players too in addition to their capability as trainers. Lalith Kumara delivered a comprehensive vote of thanks on behalf of the trainees who became trainers.