RCGC set to tee off 103rd Club Championship today

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC), one of the oldest and most prestigious golfing institutions in Sri Lanka and in the globe, is gearing up to host its 103rd Club Championship, a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of the sport in the country.

The tee off is today, 10 August, starting at 7 a.m.

This annual event, widely recognised as one of the longest-running club championships in the world, is set to attract over 140 participants in the Gents and Ladies segments, making it one of the biggest golfing tournaments in Sri Lanka.

At the forefront of the competition will be the defending champions Reshan Algama and Kaya Daluwatta, who have etched their names in the club’s illustrious history. Algama, who won the men’s title at the age of 15, has since gone on to cement his status as one of the rising stars of Sri Lankan golf, while Daluwatta, who won her first ladies’ championship at just 12 years old, has continued to impress with her skill and determination, winning tournaments in Sri Lanka and overseas.

Algama recently played in the US Golf Association Junior event, making him the first Sri Lankan to achieve such a feat, while Kaya is playing in tandem in India, winning many tournaments while gaining exposure and maturity in her golf.

The youngest winner of the RCGC is Amrith De Soysa, who won at the age of 14 years. In addition, Rusi Captain will be taking part and he has won the RCGC Club Championship 16 times, which is presently a record.

The RCGC Club Championship boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Established in 1896, the club has been the epicentre of golfing excellence in Sri Lanka, producing numerous champions and international representatives over the decades. The Club Championship was first played in 1921.