Sanjeewa Wins inaugural PFGP
The Pin Fernando Grand Prix April Edition sponsored by UTE Engineering played at the Army Diyatalawa Golf Course, created history at the Army Diyatalawa Par 70 Golf Course. The relatively short but challenging Course provided a great experience to the National players. New Course record of 66 (4under Par) was set by J M D Indika, in the Final Round.
B A Sanjeewa led the 4 Round Event from Day One, with an opening 1 Under par round followed by 2 under par to hold a clear 5 stroke lead when the Cut-off was implemented for the Top 20 to qualify for the final two rounds. The Cut-off was made at 159 for the Top 20 and Ties, from a quality field of over 60 players from the RCGC, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Army the host Club. Sanjeewa extended his lead to six strokes after Round 3, despite N. Amarapadma shooting 3 under par.
Sanjeewa returned a 71 on Day 4, to win the April Edition by 3 strokes from J M D Indika who gained ground with his outstanding final round of 66 which established a New Course Record for the Army Diyatalawa Golf Course.
Indika fired 8 birdies (Four in each half) dropped 2 Bogey’s and a Double Bogey to establish the Course Record. Amarapadma repeated his 3 under Par in Round 3 to snatch 3rd place 5 strokes behind the winner. The Army Diyatalawa Golf Club produced excellent Course conditions, with the Greens and Fairways in great shape with the help of overnight rain too. The mountainous terrain and unique features of the Diyatalawa Golf Course was a true test for the national players and the standard of Golf was commendable.
The UTE Engineering Pin Fernando Grand Prix journey continues with the May Edition at the RCGC. The performances of each Grand Prix edition count for the WAGR (World Amateur Golf Rankings) with several leading Sri Lankan players earning World Amateur Ranking points.
