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Nuwara Eliya gears for Grand Golf Classic
By Bernie Wijesekera
The 115-year-old Nuwara Eliya Golf Club with a cherished golf history behind it is gearing up for the annual Grand Hotel – Grand Classic Premier Golf tournament jointly organized by the Grand Hotels and Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. It will tee off on September 3 and will go on till 5 September at the Nuwara Eliya links.

This was announced by the president of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club N.V.G. Silva at a media briefing held at the Intercontinental Hotel. This tournament, a much looked forward to event in the local golf calendar is held for the fourth successive year. It has been an instant success since its inception. The cream of Sri Lanka’s amateur golfers will take part.

The main sponsor is the National Carrier the SriLankan Airlines and is co-sponsored by Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Hatton National and Commercial Bank, Carlsberg, Tagheur Watches and Black Label Scotch.

Mr. Silva said in addition to the Stableford Competition there would be a tournament for junior boys and girls age 17 and younger with a handicap of 15-25, while novices age 16 and under will be able to compete in a 6-hole format. It is going to be a 3-day golf fiesta for all participants. Besides it will be a tourist attraction for the locals and foreigners.

The Grand Classic is a blend of serious sporting entertainment for the entire family. The ladies will have one division – with a winner and runner-up. The winners will receive air tickets to Singapore. There will be keen competition among the women – Jackie Dias and Kishani Vedamanickam, who won titles at the recent SAARC Golf tournament held in Pakistan. The men will have two divisions – Div ‘A’ handicap 0-16 with a winner and runner-up with a return ticket to London. Div. B handicap 17-28 winner and runner-up will also receive an air ticket to London.

Besides golf the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya has planned a series of events for the weekend said Gerard Ondaatjie Managing Director Grand Hotel for all to relax and enjoy. Those wishing to participate must register with the Royal Colombo Golf Club or Nuwara Eliya Golf Club or Victoria Golf Club – on or before August 27.

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