Captain’s Cup and President’s Prize conclude at Nuwara Eliya Golf Club with close encounters

The picturesque fairways of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club hosted the much awaited board events of the Captain’s Cup and President’s Prize over the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays in April. 

These events attract leading golfers of the club to compete and take honours during the popular April holiday season.

The lead-up to these two prestigious events was the Sandy Perkins Trophy, which saw the participation of a record number of golfers compared to the previous years. Priyanga Hapugalle was a clear winner with 36 stableford points followed by Dr. Amungama, who was the runner-up with a better back nine over Firaz Hameed as they both tied with 30 points each. 

The event was hosted by the Favourite Group of Companies which continued a longstanding association and sponsorship of this particular tournament.

Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp at the dawning of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, an enthusiastic group of golfers teed off on a chilly and windy Friday morning. Competitive golf was witnessed once again as we saw yet another tie for the winning score of 74 nett. Ravi Wijeguneratne sneaked through with a better back nine to emerge as the winner of the Captain’s Cup with Chamara Abeyratne emerging as runner-up.Saturday, 14 April dawned with all competitors displaying much anticipation and excitement as they had yet another opportunity to test their skills and lift the prestigious President’s Prize. As the competitors snaked through the grueling 18 holes of challenging terrain and conditions, the thrills and spills of golf were evident. 

Sathies Balasubramanium took the honours with an impressive even par round. Hapugalle came in as the runner-up as he fell short by just one shot to record a net score of 72.

However, Hapugalle was rewarded for playing consistent golf throughout the weekend as he was the runaway winner with a 148 nett for the A.R. Atkin Trophy. It is presented for the best nett score recorded over two days of golf during the Captain’s Cup and the President’s Prize. 

NEGC President Major General Srinath Rajapakse and Captain Firaz Hameed gave away the prizes. Great entertainment and fellowship was witnessed over the three days of exciting golf at NEGC. Games of skill, including several traditional seasonal events, were also organised for the many ladies and children who patronised the club during the holiday season.

Dialog Enterprise was the principal sponsor of the events while the cosponsors included the 98 Acres Resort and Hotel, Stone & String, Kay Jay Beach House, Laya Hotels, Pro Golf, Weligam Bay Villas and Eagles Golf Links, China Bay.

Results

Sandy Perkins Cup

Winner: Priyanga Hapugalle (36 points)

Runner-up: Dr. Amunugama (30 points)

Captain’s Cup

Winner: Ravi Wijegunaratne – 74 nett

Runner-up: Chamara Abeyratne – 74 nett

President’s Prize

Winner: Sathies Balasubramanium – 71 nett

Runner-up: Priyanga Hapugalle – 72 nett

A.R Aitken Trophy

Winner: Priyanga Hapugalle – 148 nett

Runner-up: Sathies Balsubramanium – 152 nett.