'Regeneration of Sri Lanka Golf 2020 and Beyond'
The Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) has launched a new initiative in conducting a Workshop titled “Regeneration of Sri Lanka Golf 2020 and Beyond” under the stewardship of Priath Fernando, President of the SLGU at the Aqua Driving Range, Welisara recently.
The SLGU Council members, stake holders of Golf in Sri Lanka, representatives of member Golf Clubs and Golfing facilities participated with enthusiasm in the one- day workshop.
Digitalisation and marketing strategy to propel Sri Lanka Golf as a Golfing destination was discussed at length and the basic requirements to achieve Golfing Excellence and Golf Tourism growth was identified at this crucial meeting.
The future of Sri Lanka Golf and goal setting for 2020 and beyond was targeted through a comprehensive program of reaching the youth, named ‘Junior Golf Development Program’ launching an islandwide talent search or golf scouting in schools in the surrounding areas where there are golf facilities, such as Welisara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Koggala and Diyatalawa.
The essential need to conduct ‘ Train the Trainer Program’ to facilitate trained coaches to conduct the Junior Golf Development Talent search in schools was also considered a priority.
The need to conduct and organise a Professional Golf Tour in Sri Lanka which is a positive factor for economic growth, golfing tourists following internationally famed golf professionals, international media coverage and the endorsement of golf as a career path for youngsters was also considered a priority to be established parallel to the Junior development program.
Special sub committees to plan and propose the way forward were nominated and granted 30 days by President Priath Fernando to get their act together to take Sri Lanka Golf to 2020 and beyond.
The SLGU will conduct the Prima Junior Open Championships to be played for the eighth consecutive year at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. The Junior Open comprises four different age groups categorised as Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper Divisions.
Juniors from Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Victoria Golf and Country Resort and Royal Colombo Golf Club will compete in their respective age groups.
Meanwhile, the 16th Amateur Golf Championship of India will get underway from December 5 and will continue until December 11 at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in India.
The format of the championships is to play two qualifying stroke play rounds, followed by match play.
One of Sri Lanka’s top golfers Sisira Kumara, who reached the final of the recently concluded 129th Amateur Golf Championship, will be accompanied by B. A. Sanjeewa, the best qualifier in the stipulated trial four Rounds, representing Sri Lanka at the 116th Amateur Golf Championships of India.
The 100th All India Ladies Amateur Golf Championship 2016, will be played from December 12 to 19 at the Delhi Golf Club in India. Trials are underway to select the Sri Lanka ladies team to participate in this milestone, the 100th championships.