Bright prospects of golfing tours

During my recent sojourn through my pet destination, Australia, I spent much of my time visiting golf clubs and golf courses, meeting club personalities and players, watching some competitive golf. The highlight of my travels was the distinct pleasure of meeting Denis Lenagan, the Captain of the Royal Sydney Golf Club. An amiable gentleman, he was exceedingly kind to take me on a conducted tour of the classy clubhouse and also give me a description of the course reputed to be one of the best “Down Under”. I took the opportunity of presenting the Royal Sydney with a copy of the souvenir publication of the 125th Anniversary of the Royal Colombo, and he in turn presented me with a copy of the souvenir published to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Sydney Golf Club. I have just recently presented the publication to Ajantha Mylvaganam, the Captain of the Royal Colombo.

Royal Sydney is really posh, and one of the most if not the most exclusive club in Australia. Gaining membership is a tough process and there are almost a dozen distinguished applicants on the waiting list.

I understand, for example, an applicant has to have a proposer who knows him well for ten years outside business. His application has also to be supported by 3 members who know him for over 5 years. I also understand the sponsors have to meet the Executive Committee of the Club preceding the meeting with the applicant.

The captain’s tenure of stewardship is not restricted to one year. He goes on as long as he is identified as contributing to the success of the Club. Denis Lenagan is now in his third year of stewardship. He was an excellent golfer in his youth and in recent years has been the undisputed senior champion. Denis Lenagan is keen to examine the prospects of a team from Royal Sydney visiting Sri Lanka on a golfing tour, and I am in touch with him to progress the plan.

In Victoria, Frankie David and Nihal de Run are setting up a proposal for a visit to Sri Lanka of a group of 12 golfers with their wives at Santa Claus time this year, and in Queensland Norman de la Harpe is putting plans together to organise a similar tour.

Moving back to Canberra I was pleasantly surprised to have a call from Shiran de Soysa who was on a quick visit, I suspect laying the foundation for permanent residence. He was beaver busy, wining, dining and golfing and after several attempts I managed to bring him down to lunch with me at my daughter’s residence in Isaaks, over several delightful beers.