Royal to defend Bradby Golf title against Trinity

The old boys of Royal will go out fully determined to defend the G.C. Wickremesinghe Challenge trophy on 3 April when they tee off with their traditional rivals Old Trinitians at the picture-postcard, Victoria Golf and Resorts. Royal won the last event in 2019.

The Royalists under Gamini Jayaweera won the event in 2019. Royalists won in 2018 and the old boys from Trinity won the inaugural events in 2016 and 2017. The annual encounter has evolved and its fifth anniversary is expected to feature over 20 renowned golfers from each school who will play the new match play format being introduced and will tee off at 12 noon at the Victoria Golf and Country Resort, the official host club for the event.

Trinity outfit will be led by Tharanga Gunasekera. The old Royalists will be led by Samitha Perera. Both are incidentally left-handed golfers and were the highest gross individual winners in 2019 edition for their respective alma-maters.

Captain of the Old Trinitians squad Tharanga Gunasekera speaking to Daily FT said: “We are fortunate to continue the much-anticipated event which brings great camaraderie amongst the schools. I am overwhelmed to see so much of great enthusiasm by golfers to take part in the much looked forward to event. We will miss especially our overseas players who fly down to play this year, however we hope to field a competitive contingent of players with some new faces joining the team for Trinity teeing off for the coveted title this year. It is always a pleasure to host the Royalists in Kandy.”

Captain of the Old Royal squad Samitha Perera speaking to Daily FT said: “Historically, the event is held on the same weekend of the Kandy Leg and it is truly inspiring to see the spirit of old Royalist and Trinitians wanting to continue the legacy that was started, despite the Bradby not taking place. We are very grateful to the Trinity team and Tharanga for taking the leadership on continuing the event despite the many challenges. To many, this weekend is more than about the game of golf. It’s a time to reminisce the golden days and have great laughs in the picturesque Victoria Golf Club in Digana.”

This event is growing in popularity, aptly termed ‘Bradby Golf’, the old boys will compete for the coveted ‘G.C. Wickremesinghe’ Trophy, in honour of renowned Royal rugby legend, G.C. Wickremesinghe, who appeared as a crack second row forward of the all-conquering 1951 Royal Rugby team which is regarded as the ‘invincibles’. He is an avid golfer and has several Golf Board events at Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) under his belt and still tees off at the age of 85 years.

The tournament will see stiff competition with an ambition to win the G.C. Wickremesinghe trophy and Runners-up will be awarded the Victoria Cup. This year, given the new format, special prizes are on offer for Longest Drive on the 18th and Nearest to the Pin on 8th and 12th and overall pair returning the best margin of victory. The awards ceremony, followed by cocktails and dinner will take place from 7:00 p.m. onwards on the same day at Victoria Golf Club and Resort.

This event is partnered by Victoria Golf and Country Resorts and Pro-Golf.

(SJ)