Mithun wins Asia-Pacific Open Amateur Golf C'ship

RICHARD DWIGHT

The current Sri Lanka Amateur Golf champion, Mithun Perera, returned to the island on Saturday night, bringing honour to himself, his club the RCGC and the country at large by winning the Asia-Pacific Open Amateur 2009 Golf Championship held in China.

The pity of it all however was, that he arrived at the BIA without much ado or fuss, with hardly anyone to meet him.

This prestigious tournament was played at the championship course at the Mission Hills Golf Club Shenzen, China from January 13-16.

There were 96 players from 18 countries around the world, including China, Australia, Japan, England and France vying for the coveted title.

Mithun Perera, on the lead up to the final stages, beat top players from France and Scotland.

Mithun's win here entitles him to a slot to play in the 2009 Australian Open, which will be co-sponsored by Mission Hills and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC).

According to the Executive Director, of Mission Hills Golf Club, Tenniel Chu, its only been three years since Mission Hills and the APGC joined forces, to give rise to the Mission Hills Asia-Pacific Open Amateur Championship that has now ended on a highly successful note.

The club which was opened in 1994 was designed by 18 time major championship winner, Jack Niclaus and has hosted numerous international competitions inclusive of the 1995 World Cup.