Nuwara Eliya Golf Club ends seven-year wait

Burdett Trophy winners NEGC

NEGC 125th Anniversary winners 

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) ended a seven-year drought when they accounted for the 121st Burdett Trophy when they got the better of their traditional rivals Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) by a tender margin of 6 1/2 to 5 1/2.

The colourful event took place last weekend in the hill country.

Kushal Johnpillai led the winning NEGC team while Amrith De Soysa skippered the RCGC.

The Burdett Trophy featured a series of singles and foursomes matches. A pivotal moment for NEGC came during the Burdett singles, where Kushal Johnpillai himself secured a critical victory over RCGC’s Reshan Algama, winning 4/3. This match was a significant boost for NEGC, setting the tone for their eventual triumph.

In the Burdett singles, debut maker Jacob Norton (NEGC) stamped his class when he beat much fancied Rajeev Rajapaksha (RCGC).

In another crucial match, the NEGC pairing of Suhayb Sangani and Armand Flamer Caldera delivered a decisive 2/1 victory in the Burdett foursomes. This win was one of the highlights of the day and played a major role in NEGC’s overall success.

The Burdett Trophy, one of the oldest golfing competitions in Sri Lanka, has seen many memorable moments throughout its history. NEGC’s victory this year adds another chapter to its legacy. 

The triumph of NEGC, considered the underdog, highlights the unpredictable and exciting nature of the sport, where determination and teamwork can turn the tables against the odds.

Summary of Results:

Burdett Singles

RCGC 4 1/2

NEGC 3 1/2

Burdett Foursomes

NEGC 3

RCGC 1

Overall Score

NEGC 6.5

RCGC 5.5

125th Anniversary

NEGC 11.5

RCGC 3.5

Puffin Cup

RCGC 6.5

NEGC 1.5

Masters

RCGC 4

NEGC Nil