Golf in aid of gallant war heroes

Richard DWIGHT

Considered as salutary to be most heart warming in the field of sport, was the decision taken in the year, 2004 by the committee of the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) led by its captain, Kumar Boralessa, to set apart a poya day each year with the aim of raising funds for charity through a golf tournament.

A fine gesture indeed, and hitherto since this laudable exercise came into being monies have been raised for charitable causes, such as the sri Lanka Federation for the Visually Handicapped, the Ceylon Association for the Mentally Retarded, the National Council for Mental Health, Shanaya and the Ceylon School for the Blind and Visually handicapped continuing in the same well meaning vein - this year's golf for charity will take place at the RCGC on 'poya day' October 3-2009.

The monies that accrue there from through various means, will be directed to the President's Fund, with the specific purpose of it being made use of for the benefit and welfare of war heroes and their families - truly a praiseworthy act.

These observations were made at a media briefing held at the RCGC by Dr. Wickrema Weerasooria, a representative of golfers for charity.

It was gathered from the President of the RCGC, J.J. Ambani, and the captain of RCGC, Lal Dias, that there would be wide participation for this Stableford Charity Golf tournament for the reason that it was for a worthy cause.

The competition for gents in keeping with their corresponding handicaps will be conducted in three divisions viz; 'A' Division handicap 0-9, 'B' Division handicap 10-18 and 'C' division handicap 19-28. There will also be a masters division with a maximum handicap of 28 and a seniors division.

In the ladies category the operative maximum handicap will be 28. The junior category is open to boys and girls under 18 years of age.

A team event will be played concurrently, where golfers taking part in the charity tournament can form a team. Each team should have a minimum of 5 and 5 or more players. x

The best 5 stableford scores of each team will be taken to select the winning team. All participants should have a valid club handicap. The maximum handicap allowed for ladies taking part in this event is 28. Those under 18 years of age are not eligible to take part.

The overall winner - gents (A, B, C, divisions only) maximum handicap - 28 will receive an Air Ticket and trophy.

The winners and runners up of divisions A, B, C, the masters and seniors will receive prizes. The winner in the ladies category with a maximum handicap of 36 will receive an air ticket and trophy.

Junior category boys and girls, the winners and runners up will receive prizes. Awards will also be made to non handicap players to the winners and runners up for both the gents and ladies. Hole in one 13th hole - Air ticket. Entries close on September 30.