Dhanika Junior Golf Champion
Richard DWIGHT
The year 2008 did seem to end on a triumphant note for, Dhanika de
Silva, when he won the Sri Lanka Junior Golf championship by beating,
Chanaka Perera, by a fair margin at the RCGC (Course).
This prestigious event that had over 60 boys and girls vying for
championships honours, commenced last Wednesday to end on Friday.
It was conducted in three categories viz; age group 15-17 years (Gold
Division) age 11-14 years (Silver Division) and age group 10 years and
under (Bronze Division). The event itself was sponsored by ‘Prima’ and,
did mark the climax to the competitions held by the Sri Lanka Golf Union
during the year.
The 15 year old, Dhanika de Silva, from Colombo British School who
has been playing golf for the past four years - has shown much progress
from having won the Silver Division last year, to now be the over all
winner and clinch the Junior National Golf title.
The Gold Division gross winner was Greig Ritchie, the nett winner was
Amrit Fernandopulle.
The Silver division gross winner was Vishal Jayasekera and the Bronze
Division gross winner was Prashan Peiris.As usual there prevailed much
enthusiasm and excitement amongst the juniors at the awards ceremony
over lunch, which was steered by lady golfer Niloo Jayatilleke.
Niloo commended the sporting gesture of Joshua and Kavinda, who
though being under 10 years opted to compete in the higher age category
(11-14) - while Greig Ritchie on behalf of the juniors complimented
their guide, mentor and friend, Radha Sundarampillai for the hard work
put in by her through the years.
The senior Marketing manager of (CAi) Prima Group, Sajith Guneratne,
was highly pleased with the interest shown for golf by the youngsters
and said that Prima would be as supportive in promoting Junior golf in
the future as well. Associating himself with the sentiments expressed by
Sajith was the senior Business manager (CAi) Prema Group Sudath
Wickremanayake.
The secretary of the Sri Lanka Golf Union, Lal Wickrematunga, was
taken up by the zest and zeal displayed for golf by the increasing
number of juniors.
He disclosed that according to St. Andrews there would be a new
programme introduced for juniors in order to identify youngsters for the
future.
This outfield programme he said will help to unearth juniors with
parents bringing them along to foster and promote golf.
Results:
Championship Winner : Dhanika De Silva (238),
Runner up : Chanaka Perera (255)
Gold Division Gross Winner : Greig Ritchie (257)
Runner up : Thamindu N. Silva (262)
Gold Division Nett Winner : Amrit Fernandopullai
Runner up : Scott Ritchie
Silver Division Gross Winner : Vishal Jayasekera (267)
Runner up : Lochana Mathew (270)
Bronze Division Gross Winner : Prashan Peiris
Runner up : Ishira Fernando
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