Emirates touches down in Lanka for golf tourney

Richard Dwight

Emirates, which has through the years built up a regulation of being very supportive of international sportgoes further afield now to launch its inaugural ‘Emirates Colombo classic Amateur golf tournament ‘on Saturday February 28 at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC).

An enterprising, innovative golf competition being sponsored for the first time here in Sri Lanka by Emirates found Chandana de Silva, the Emirates Area Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives addressing the media at a briefing held on Wednesday at the RCGC.

It was gathered from him that Emirates supports one of the most dynamic and exciting event on the international golf calendar, the ‘Dubai Desert Classic’ and the intention of Emirates is to introduce a similar version of this event to Sri Lanka for the benefit of local golfers and enthusiasts.

Emirate Sales Manager in Sri Lanka, Devika Ellepola, said the airline plans to use the event to promote greater awareness of the convenience and benefits of booking with Emirates on-line among members of the RCGC.

She also mentioned that Emirates golf apart, also internationally actively supports sports such as Horse Racing, Yachting Tennis, Football, Motor Racing and Cricket not forgetting that it works in partnership with some of the leading sports governing bodies in the world.

According to the captain of the RCGC, Tissa Jayasinghe and its vice captain Lal Dias, the tournament that takes place on February 28 is open to those of the RCGC, most of whom are members of skywards and to yet others of skywards who may not be members of the club.

There will be around 200 golfers competing all of whom will play in keeping with their accredited handicaps, the categories being Group A (0-9) Group B (10-18) Group C (19-28) Ladies (0-24) and seniors (0-28).

Play will proceed on the Stableford format and will commence at 6.15 a.m. with the final tee off scheduled for 2 p.m.

Trophies will be awarded to the winner and two runners ups of the 4 main groups, while the winner and runner up in the senior category will receive trophies.

Registration for the tournament opens on February 14 at the RCGC and closes on February 18.