Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Wednesday, 11 October 2023 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
B.P. De Silva, the sponsor of the event, in partnership with Shangri-La Hambantota, successfully conducted the first-ever National Caddie Tournament in Sri Lanka.
This historic endeavour to uplift the caddie community and revolutionise golfing in Sri Lanka was part of the felicitation of B.P. De Silva’s 150th Anniversary in Singapore. The alignment to this year’s theme for World Tourism Day ‘Tourism and Green Investment’ highlighting the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, the planet and prosperity, aptly showcases the two entities’ commitment towards people and tourism.
This groundbreaking initiative was aimed at recognising, nurturing, and empowering caddies who play a vital role in the country’s golfing landscape. As a symbol of this commitment, 42 caddies from seven distinguished golf clubs and resorts across the nation came together to showcase their skills and compete on the renowned 18-hole golf course of Shangri-La Hambantota.
The tournament was a thrilling display of talent and camaraderie. Spectators witnessed remarkable shots, strategic plays, and moments of sportsmanship that showcased hitherto hidden golfing brilliance. The competition was fierce, but it was also a celebration of the caddie community’s dedication to the sport.
The first-ever champions crowned were winners of the National Caddie Tournament 2023, Sri Lanka Army A.D.L.M. Ranasinghe and Runner Up Sri Lanka Army P.W.A.D. Pushpakumara. Victoria Golf Club O.M. Niroshani was awarded the Special Prize Ladies, after showcasing her exceptional skills. The victories were celebrated by all in attendance. This historic moment not only recognised their unseen talent but also paved the way for an exciting and promising future for golf enthusiasts and professionals in Sri Lanka.
Shangri-La Hambantota General Manager Refhan Razeen said: “Shangri-La Hambantota is deeply committed to transforming the golfing landscape in Sri Lanka, and we believe that this transformation must extend to those who are the unsung heroes of the sport, the dedicated caddies. They have been an integral part of the golfing experience, and it’s time we shine a spotlight on their talent, and usher in a new era for golfing in Sri Lanka. We are proud to be the only resort-based golf course of this calibre, and we intend to use it as a catalyst for positive change within the golfing community.”
B.P. De Silva Holdings Chairman Sunil Amarasuriya said: “While visiting Shangri-La Hambantota I was impressed by the lush and well-kept lawns of the golf course and immediately saw an opportunity to encourage the talents of caddies around Sri Lanka. As part of our 150-year celebration in Singapore, this event took on added significance, showcasing our longstanding commitment to promoting cultural and sporting excellence.”
The 18-hole golf course at Shangri-La Hambantota stands as a testament to the resort’s dedication to providing world-class golfing experiences. Widely recognised as the best in the country, this picturesque course offers golf enthusiasts an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and challenging play. Hosting this historic tournament on its greens showcased the resort’s commitment to the sport and its enduring impact on Sri Lanka’s golfing scene.
World Tourism Day served as a platform for Shangri-La Hambantota and B.P. De Silva to emphasise their profound commitment to enriching the golfing culture in Sri Lanka. This event was a landmark moment in the nation’s golfing history, as it not only recognised the caddies but also paved the way for an exciting and promising future for golf enthusiasts and professionals alike. Shangri-La Hambantota and B.P. De Silva’s commitment does not end with this tournament. They aspire to continue supporting and empowering the caddie community, creating opportunities for growth and development within the sport.
