‘Wellness for all contest’ at Royal Colombo

‘The Boralessa girl’ as she was known, was a stunningly promising golfer in her early teens. She picked up trophies as they came within reach, showing tremendous promise with great enthusiasm for the game. Kumar, her dad, identified the talent and absolute potential in the girl and after discussion with the decision-maker Dushy, they packed her bags and gave her a schol to the U.S.A. to improve her skills in golf and study business management. She excelled in both and coming back home, she sadly shelved golf and embraced business management. The result of her choosing is reflected in the successful empire she owns and handles, of world renowned Cybex Fitness Equipment now spread over all health centres of repute. She happily sponsored a great day of golf at the Ridgeways last week.

‘A’ CLASSIC
Avinesh Nareshkumar, a rising star, impressed immensely with a splendid nett 69 to win the ‘A’ Classic, beating Lalith Ramanayake by one stroke. Michael Perera Magala and Sheron Fernando were as splendid with 70 strokes each. Ramanayake had the best back nine.

‘B’ DIVISION
S. Kumaratunga was impressive with nett 67, beating a string of strong contenders. He deserved to be delighted with his success, and volunteered shot by shot commentaries of his win to a few enthusiastic listeners. S. W. Lee came 2nd with net 68 followed by Dr. A.L.N. Jayasuriya, who was pleased with the whole world over a great one under par nett 70.

‘C’ DIVISION
Lal Wickrematunga lit up the 19th with descriptions of play over rounds and rounds of beverages. The provocation was that he made his debut at an awards ceremony following his smashing victory with nett 67. Jude Rayan came behind him with nett 72.SENIORS
Rohan Daluwatte was unmatchable following a great nett 67. Rohan is now a mature senior. S. W. Lee was 2nd with nett 68.

MASTERS
Sarath Wickremaratne, a stunning striker of the ball for his age, plays comfortable golf most times. He smashed his way to win the Masters, beating a new, well preserved senior, Dr. A. L. N. Jayasuriya, by 2 strokes.

NEAREST TO PIN
A magical shot that shocked his system came from the club head of Dayananda Hewavasam’s 5 iron. He was almost shattered when his ball settled a few inches from the pin to give him a special award and a massive smile.

AWARDS
The awards ceremony was slick, ending with rousing applause for ‘the Boralessa girl’ and her Cybex Health Equipment.

119TH SRI LANKA OPEN AMATEUR TITLE CONTEST
The Royal Colombo strictly observes the significance of Poya. The bars are closed and no alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed on the premises. Yesterday was Poya, and the beginning of the National Open Golf Championships when the preliminary rounds were played in competition. Winners were deprived of the usual celebrations at the 19th, and those who hit distress had nothing to drown their grief in. The day was dull and listless, matching with the low hanging dark clouds that added gloom. Rain delayed its presence though a thin drizzle was quite irritating.

DUDLEY SENANAYAKE TROPHY
An interesting team event, with players taken from three categories found Mithun Perera, Amal Tudawe and Mervyn Hettiarachi together, in a formidable trio. One complimented the other to make a commendable total and win the handsome trophy with the best nett score. Coming behind were Richard Gunawardene, Prof. A. H. Sheriffdean and Gen. Rohan Daluwatte, beaten by just two strokes.

LEVER’S SHIELD
Mithun Perera, Amal Tudawe and Mervyn Hettirachi came together again, to win this gross score competition and good looking shield presented by Lever Bros., and coming behind were Richard Gunawardene, Prof. A. H. Sheriffdean and Gen. Rohan Daluwatte.

LEVER’S CUP
A trophy presented by Lever Bros. for the best individual gross score, was taken by Mithun Perera beating Binupa Wijesinghe comfortably.

ROYAL COLOMBO TROPHY
A trophy presented by the Club was won by Binupa Wijesinghe for the best individual nett score. He beat sharp Bandula Weerasinghe by one stroke.

LADIES
As predicted just recently, Sayanika Fernando and Anouk Chitty picked up the threads and came back strongly, regaining form. Sayanika struck the lowest gross score and collected the Leonard Peiris Trophy, beating Dinusha Senadhira by two strokes. Anouk came 3 strokes behind Sayanika. Now the battle for the crown is between Sayanika and Jackie Dias with Senadhira and Chitty quite capable of upsetting. A great match play duel is anticipated.

SAD ADIEU
My friend, Markie Flamer-Caldera, the youngest son of the famous Flamer-Caldera family of “Rolliker”, Barnes Avenue, Mount Lavinia, passed away with a smile of peace on his face at a hospital in Melbourne. His former wife Barbara was by his bedside.