The Sunday Times Sports - Romesh Abhayaratne wins 5-club HSBC tourney

Two decades ago or so, Hongkong Bank got interested in promoting golf through their architect Gordon Kindness, who was the Chief Executive. Kindness was a pal of mine joining in continuous week-ends of 4-ball encounters. He invited me to be the contractor and soon afterwards we combined to make a presentation to the Committee superbly supported by Arjun Fernando whose organising skills were exceptional. The first HSBC sponsored tournament at the Ridgeways of the Royal Colombo was a rousing success. The world’s local bank was extravagantly lavish with the 19th hole set ablaze though lunch time and the award ceremony. Kindness participated actively.

Tim Henderson took over from Kindness when his term in Sri Lanka finished and he had to leave, seeking new pastures with his attractive wife Sally. Cavalier Henderson slotted in superbly. A brilliant Banker, he loved to relax and this he captured over most week-ends at the Royal Colombo with many of us and his colleagues of the Bank, especially Sarath Piyaratne, Trevine Fernandopulle and Arjun Fernando.

The tournaments under his stewardship sparkled with great fun and tremendous camaraderie and many of the seniors who participated then still volunteer that they relished the gaiety and fun filled sessions through lunchtime over those years.

The pattern of play changed under Henderson to a 5-club shot gun start of 18 tees at the one time. Chubby David Griffiths, the Chief Executive of HSBC extended his patronage and support this year. 15 dozen participated, with the Seniors and the glamour girls playing on Friday afternoon. On Sunday 18 flights took of in excellent weather, on reasonably well prepared turf.

Classy Romesh Abhayaratne took his third consecutive win when he shot 38 great points and collected a handsome trophy, while his well preserved mother, Yvonne affectionately known as “Duchess” was beaming all afternoon after she captured the ladies’ event. Mother and son threw a party for well wishers while Pappa Marlin, picked up the tab with pleasure.

Hefty Savantha de Saram came back to the fray after a short inactive spell to polish off the highly competitive field and win the ‘A’ Classic beating a seasoned campaigner, Bandula Weerasinghe. Savantha was a popular winner.

Chandana Weerasinghe won his first plum with a smashing victory. Collecting 38 he not only won the ‘B’ title but also recorded the highest score in the tournament. He was soon signing autographs through lunchtime. Manjula Chandrasoma had quite a praiseworthy round with 37 points, beaten by just one. He celebrated too unobtrusively.

Col. Rayan moved superbly throughout the morning, striking freak shots and seldom untidy. He was methodical in pursuit of the plum and was delighted with his success and his trophy. Rohan Perera was another happy man with a pleasing round, a superb trophy and much to talk about.

Doc Priya Samarasinghe is a fresh looking Senior at all times. He looked so fresh and well preserved after a strenuous round with a winning streak, that a wag was heard to say that he surely must be living in a ‘frig. Samarasinghe played a superb round, collected 37 points and a gorgeous trophy in the Senior’s event. Southpaw boxer of yesteryear, Dr. L.P.V. Jayasekera came behind them comfortably.

The spirit of Scotland was in complete command pre-lunch and through lunch. Ajantha Mylvaganam, Captain of RCGC in a smart speech of well chosen words and expressions packed into four lines, thanked David Griffiths, the Chief Executive of HSBC for his magnanimity and extensive support once again. Griffiths accepted the accolades with a pleasant smile. In his response, Griffiths assured the club of endless support amidst loud and incessant applause. He then plunged into the 19th to participate more fully in the gorgeous spirit that stamps the HSBC tournament as the unmatchable best in the RCGC calendar.