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'Tradition & Change' a Royal & Ancient publication
From a historian to another
I have received the most rousing tribute on the compilation of the 125th Royal Colombo Golf Club publication from Donald Steel the renowned Golf Course Architect, distinguished member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland & Co-Author of a very special publication 'Tradition & Change 1939 - 2004 for the Royal & Ancient' such a copy has come to me with a heartening endorsement 'Tita, One Historian to another' Donald Steel. The publication is an absolute masterpiece. A special for collectors. My number is 955.

Steel Man
Donald Steel re-designed and upgraded our Ridgeways with the assistance of Martin Ebert his associates and they claim they were delighted to work with enthusiasts like Shiran de Soysa and Haris Serasinghe during their brief stint in Sri Lanka.

Donald Steel an eminent product of the University of St. Andrews took part in the Open Championship and 3 Amateur Title Events during his early golfing career and then moved on to Golf Journalism for the Sunday Telegraph of UK. He was commissioned by the R & Ancient to design and re-design several Courses spread all over the world. He has been with the Royal & Ancient since 1962. Donald Steel is a true friend of Golf in Sri Lanka and as a tribute the Victoria Golf Club conducts an annual Championship for a Trophy in his name and another in the name of his associate Martin Ebert.

The upscale majestic Victoria Course at Digana was designed by Steel which he claims was an exceptionally rewarding assignment which brought him added fame on the Golf scene of the world. 'Tony Whitham was superb to work with' he claims.

Going back to the book reference is made to Harry McCaw our Chief Guest at last year's 125th Anniversary celebrations. Harry was the Captain of Royal & Ancient in the year 1995. He was extremely successful and quite popular. Speaking to me during his visit he emphasized the importance of sharing views. Respect the views of others and never ever be dictatorial, autocratic and no bulldozing. Harry McCaw in his communications often refers to the excellence of the 125th Anniversary publication and reliable reports have it that The Duke of York, Captain of the Royal & Ancient had commented that the publication was great.

Coaching Clinic
All over the world Royal Clubs have their own professionals conducting special clinics to improve the golfing skills of the kids and juniors. At the Royal Colombo this is a far thought from reality. Speak to Radha Sunderampillai and you hear distressing stories. Speak to Anusha Senadhira and she very rightly moans that the funds are totally inadequate to progress the Ladies Section meaningfully. Over 30 kids have graduated from Radha's Clinic. They have handicaps but no one to go to for the improvement of their skills. They become self-taught and that is quite untidy.

Radha Sunderampillai the dedicated lady is now preparing a fresh clinic for kids and desperately looking for support. The lady is stricken that she has no response for assistance to her new clinic. The hierarchy of the RCGC should hang their heads in shame watching the kids and golf in distress and the massive bank balances grow underutilized.

Hank Stevens the popular Dutch Coach and his wife are willing to return if only the RCGC/SLGU will contract them.

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