Caddies receive massive support from Lankans abroad

N.U.G. De Silva, popularly know as ‘NugSilva’, is President of the Sri Lanka Golf Union, an assignment he handles with tremendous enthusiasm and success. His theme is ‘Golf must progress’ and to achieve his goals he is incessantly on the move, exploring all possibilities.

He believes that the future of golf in Sri Lanka rests entirely on the talent of the Caddies. He reminds us that since Pin Fernando, it has always been a Caddie that has shown distinction and brought laurels to Sri Lanka from abroad. Pin Fernando picked every title before him in Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan. Nandasena Perera followed, adding Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to his laurels and the majestic Runner-up crown at the Asian Games. Anura Rohana was another brilliant golfer crowning his success with Runner-up at the last Asian Games. Lalith Kumara was another star, and now we have Prabagaran, who just recently captured the Indian Amateur title.

‘Nug’s’ appeal for help has spread worldwide addressed to all his Sri Lankan friends. Response has been heartwarming and most rewarding. Chiran Chandrasena from the West Coast, California, U.S.A., has picked a few pals and their combined contribution is staggering. The funds are available for the progress of golf from the Caddie class.

‘Nug’ plans a triangular contest initially between Caddies from Royal Colombo, Rajawella and N’Eliya, and the first contest will be between Royal Colombo and Rajawella with the winners to meet in a grand finale hosted by the N’Eliya Golf Club supported by the Sri Lanka Golf Union. The generous sponsors have promised the participating Caddies Rs.1000/- per playing day, plus Shoes, Socks, Caps, Shirts and all travelling expenses and accommodation.

All this and much more to come from the generous donors with the added organising skills of ‘Nug’ de Silva. The prospects are great and results will be rewarding.

Meantime, there is a deafening silence at the end of Model Farm Road, They have done little or nothing for the development of Caddie-class golfers but they are quick to bask in the glory of Prabagaran’s victory in India by giving the Caddie special mention in the first issue of the Royal Golfer of 2007. I know from past comments made by the Captain of the Royal Colombo, that he cannot be coaxed to spare time for Caddie-class talent, so it is now up to Lalin Samarawickrema, the President, a very right thinking individual, to enter the scene and ensure that sanity must prevail providing support for the less privileged.

Meantime, a special Caddies Fund has been inaugurated which will be monitored by the Sri Lanka Golf Union. Donations, however small, are solicited.