Dhruv Sheoran wins 130th Sri Lanka Golf Championship in thriller

Dhruv Sheoran from India fought back in startling fashion in a thin persistent drizzle, fading light and wet conditions to beat Sisira Kumara on the 36th hole to become the Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Champion 2017 at the 130th Sri Lanka Golf Championship.

Kumara gave Sri Lanka much to be proud of when he built a comfortable lead of 4 up at the halfway mark after 18 holes in an epic 36-hole final. Kumara, having reached the final in 2016, was determined to avenge his defeat last year, and extended his lead to 5 up on the 1st hole of the afternoon round. However, Sheoran hung in there even though Kumara was 4 up going into Switzerland. Kumara mishit his tee shot on the 12th and then Sheoran made a sensational fightback, birdieing the 14th and 15th to reduce the lead to 1 up. 

The change of fortune really happened with Sheoran’s 30-foot birdie putt on 15th. The 16th was halved and Sheoran squared the match to go down the final 36th hole with Kumara under pressure. Kumara and Sheoran had excellent drives to set up the finale. Kumara was just off the green and Sheoran cast his second shot into the right-hand greenside bunker. Sheoran’s brilliant bunker shot under pressure sealed the match with another birdie while Kumara was unable to 2 putt and let slip the championship cup with it.