Mithum RCGC’s 2008 golf champion

Richard Dwight

The 8th annual Royal Colombo Golf Club Championship ended on a triumphant note on Sunday for the seasoned, Mithum Perera, when he dethroned the regaining champion, Rusi captain, in the final, to be RCGC’s champion golfer for the year 2008.

This year’s championship, had as much as 140 golfers playing in the qualifying rounds, that were held on Saturday, 23 and Sunday 24. The outcome of which resulted in 30 participants qualifying to play in the final round, to be played on the match play format that was held last Saturday 30 and Sunday 31.

The prevailing inclement weather brought about by intervening showers, accompanied by strong blowing, did add to the excitement and thrill to make the championship as competitive as possible to bring out the best in skill and technique from the golfers. In the main championship, Mithum Perera, in the quarter final got past S. Vairavanathan 6/5 - in the semifinal be beat Sheron Fernando 7/6, whilst Mithum’s closest rival, Rusi Captain, beat Mihindu Chandrasoma 5/4, in the quarter finals and in the semifinal, he got the better of Stewart Ritchie 2/1.

The final for major championship honours was keenly contested between two reputed golfers, Mithum Perera and Rusi Captian, where a dour duel ensued with Mithum pulling it off eventually to win at 7/6.

In the silver division Sakya Ukwatte and Ron Bakelman who won their respective quarters and semifinals met the finals for Sakya Ukwatte to win 4/3. The winner in the Master’s division was Dr. S.A.K. Abeywardena.