Herath strikes magical hole-in-one

A new format conceived and proposed by Priya Fernando was accepted and implemented by the Committee of the Royal Colombo Golf Club, to make the annual Pin Fernando Trophy contest more interesting and competitive. Starting with a Stableford, the contest moves into a stroke play competition for qualifiers, who will meet to choose two of the best who will settle for match play. An excellent format.

Responding to the invitation from Priya Fernando, the Chief Executive of United Tractor & Equipment Co.Ltd., over a century of golfers teed off in the Stableford event 19 qualifying with Saman Premasiri reaching out to an outstanding score of 41 points beating Avanka Herath to 2nd position, who collected 39 points. Others who impressed were Jin Yong Kim, Ajit Dissanayake, Ken Sellayah and Mithun Perera.

Magnificent shot
Avanka Herath gave himself a helluva shock which spread to his playing companion and the caddies. The stunning shot started as it left the 9th tee. It was a great shot moving almost dead centre as it hit the green and snaked its way to the cup amidst tremendous jubilation. Herath was warmly received with cheers as he entered the Club House. A rich reward for a magical shot that moves into the record books.

The next stage of the contest will be stroke play in the forenoon followed by a match play between the players coming first and second. The awards ceremony and cocktails will follow with the Mother Superior of Ladies Golf, Pam Fernando, as the Guest of Honour.

Final winners
Best gross Stableford score - Mithun Perera 38 points
Best nett Stableford score - Saman Premasiri 41 points
Closest to the Pin 9th Hole - Avanka Herath
Most number of Sandy Pars -SMA Hameed 3 Marshlan

Smiling and absolutely happy in disaster Nalin Rodrigo, Ananda Jayasekera, Pandula Kuruppu, Hema Dissanayake and Joseph Kenny messed around promising to come back strongly again, in the true spirit of golf with improved performances. Good Luck !