'Prima' Junior National Golf C'ship 2012 from December 19

Richard Dwight

The Sri Lanka Junior Open Golf Championship for Boys and Girls under 18, will be held from December 19 to 21 whilst the Regional Open Golf Championship takes place on the January 25 and 16, 2013.

They are being organized and conducted by the Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) with the Junior Open being held at the Royal Colombo Golf club and the Regional Open, taking place at the Victoria Golf Club (VGC) Kandy.

Both competitions are being actively sponsored by Ceylon Agro Industries (Prima) - the Junior Open has had 'Prima' supporting it for the past four years and this would be the fifth year in succession as sponsor.

This was revealed to the media on Tuesday, by the President of the SLGU, Ana Punchihewa, at the RCGC.

Punchihewa's commitment is to relentlessly pursue the cause of Junior Golf, for the reason that the future progress of golf lies in the hands of the youngesters.

We have gained laurels in Athletics, Cricket and billiards, by being recognised at international levels, and it must be our objective to ensure that golf too, gains medals said Punchihewa adding as well, that golf be taken to the Districts and different Regions.

The General Manager Agro Industries (Prima) Shun Tian Shin said that Prima was very enthusiastic of Sri Lanka making headway in Golf and would be associated with the sport for many years to come. Other who addressed the briefing were the President of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, G V Tissera, the Vice Captain of RCGC, Nimal Piyaratne and yet others.

There would be around 60 Juniors participating in the tournament and will play acco4ding to their age groups viz Gold Division (15-17 years), Silver Division (11-14 years), Bronze Division (10 years and under) The Sri Lanka Junior Golf Championship for those between the ages 11-17 years, will also have players from Golf and Silver divisions eligible to participate.

The overall winner will be declared the Sri Lanka Junior National Golf Champion for the year 2012. Last year's champion was Kyle de Silva and the favourite this year is Sashin de Silva.