Golf gets a leg up in Lanka

KANDY, October 18: You are neither a pro nor an amateur, yet want to test your golfing skills in a tournament? You can’t play against Tiger Woods or even some of the caddies who play on the amateur circuit? Well, then the SriLankan Airlines Golf Classic is the one that's best suited for you.
Neither the world's best nor the worst teed off at the picturesque Victoria Golf and Country Resort here last week.Yet, there were about 200 golfers from all over the world... Dubai, Bahrain, Austria, England, Canada, Thailand, Pakistan, Australia, Germany and India too.
It's clever packaging that's seen this event survive and thrive for more than a decade now, this being the 12th year. Every participant pays to play. Now, why would you want to do that? Firstly, of course, there's competition and prizes involved. Secondly, there's an opportunity to see the beautiful Lankan countryside.
SriLankan Airlines' golf tourism has proved to be a big boost for the country in every aspect. The greens and fairways are abuzz with golf chatter and so are the prime tourist spots.
The tournament is played under the stable ford format and a golfer needs to tee off on any two of the four days to qualify for the prizes. On the other two days, he is off to the historic Buddhist caves in Dambulla, the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela, any of the spice gardens and tea plantations that stare at you round every corner.
SriLankan Airlines encourages participants to come with their spouses and kids. So, while he is on the greens, the family is getting themselves photographed at historic spots. Not surprisingly the tournament has grown with old players returning for more action and new players being added on every year.
"This is our premier sporting event and it draws golfers from around the world. The tournament has grown in popularity with a large number of players coming back each year," said Chandana de Silva, the head of corporate communications at SriLankan.
At the prize distribution function on Sunday, where the participants were entertained with contemporary and classic Lankan music and dance, a huge roar greeted De Silva when he asked if the players would be returning again for the event in the coming years.
Most of the prizes went to golfers from Thailand. But few were present to collect the glittering crystal trophy as they had a plane to catch back to Bangkok. Despite pleadings, De Silva refused to delay the flight.
Key results
Men:
Best aggregate nett stableford score: 1. Manu Pong Akiemrot; 2. Andrew Wilkinson; 3. Tony Udagedara.
Best aggregate gross stableford score: 1. Mithun Perera; 2. Pheroze Billimoria; 3. David Evans.
Senior Division: Chris Holloway
Women:
Best aggregate nett stableford score: 1. P Pionyothpatan; 2. Poonsri Boonchayanurus; 3. Pauline Morley.
Best aggregate gross stableford score: 1. Benja Rattanaphan; 2. Chiotimanee Shifberg; 3. Tina Volckerick.
Senior Division: Indira Tibblin
Junior winner: Daniel Gizzi.