Golf: 'Future Lions' on course to putt Lanka on world map

The year 2018 saw the second year of a successful HSBC 'Future Lions' Golf Talent Search programme conducted by Sri Lanka Golf (SLG). 

The programme was launched in 2017 in search of talent across Sri Lanka, to spread Golf among rural communities, who now boast of Golf courses in their backyards. 

With the addition of three new courses to SLG's landscape, namely Eagles Golf Links, SLAF China Bay, Trincomalee, Army Golf Course, Diyatalawa and Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort and Spa, spreading golf as a sport and providing an opportunity to kids in the neighborhood is of paramount importance to both SLG and HSBC. 

Helping SLG with funds and Golf equipment, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) is very keen on taking Golf to countries where it is in its infancy. 

'Future Lions' took to the road and completed over 1,000km, starting from Trincomalee to Diyatalawa and then to Hambantota. 

Trincomalee saw 104 participants from Koneshwara Hindu College, Greenwich International School, St. Josephs College, Orr’s Hill Vivekananda College and St Mary’s College. 

A total of 142 participants including Diyatalawa MMV and Kadurugamuwa Mihindu Vidyalaya were invited by Sri Lanka Army Golf in its talent search. 

A total of 118 participants including Dehigahalanda MV Ambalantota and Therapuththa MV were invited to Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort and Spa.
 
Golf is in the DNA of HSBC and SLG was quick to partner, SLG will now draw up plans to set up three new academies where top players will participate in the 2019 HSBC Junior International Tournament. 

From a total of 364 Juniors, the 'Talent Quest' picked 250 kids for future development them at their respective academies. 

SLG will now set up academies in all three locations and supervise weekly lessons conducted by qualified Instructors. 

With five academies set up through HSBC 'Future Lions' in 2017, fully fledged Golf academies will now total eight.