Golfer Vijitha Bandara does Sri Lanka proud

S M Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Correspondent

Vijitha Bandara did Sri Lanka proud when he came into the game storming to win the NCR Cup on the final day with a total score of 293 at the NCR Golf Championship at the Delhi Golf Cup, India.

This was the second successive year in which Sri Lanka had won this Cup. Last year it was won by N Thangarajah who has now turned professional.

Vijitha Bandara on his way to success shot four over par for his total of 293. Vijitha Bandara started the day on a highly successful note with a birdie on the 1st and was one over after the front nine which put him in a comfortable position.

After taking a lot of pressure, Bandara somewhat lost the grip temporarily when he dropped two shots and made a double bogey on the 10th hole.

Vijitha Bandara at this stage was a little confused in choosing the clubs on the 11th hole as a strong wind blew across the golf course and he used a 3 wood for the tee shot where he normally uses the 52 wedge.

Perhaps he was not very familiar with these conditions.

Vijitha Bandara's best shot came on the finishing hole where he rescued the ball from a difficult condition as he landed his tee shot in right bushes but still managed a par with advice from the caddy.

A delighted 25 year old Vijitha Bandara said that I am so proud that I have brought honour to my motherland and I will be happy to show this trophy to last year's winner N Thangarajah who too will be happy that I had continued from where he had left.

A lot of pressure was built in me and the conditions were difficult but I managed to relieve myself of it and regain my composure towards the end. I started off well and ended well.

Vijitha Bandara started his golf at Victoria Golf and Country Resort at a very young age and put up some very impressive performances at the Monthly medal and other competitions he participated.

He started as a caddy but picked up the game very quickly. If not for Victoria Golf Club, this talented golfer may have been lost to golf.

He is now number one amateur golfer in Sri Lanka.