Sri Lankan golfing duo set to tee off at APAC in Tokyo

Wednesday, 25 September 2024 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chalitha Pushpika

Reshan Algama

By Shamseer Jaleel

Two of the Sri Lanka’s top amateur golfers, Reshan Algama (Colombo International School) and Chalitha Pushpika (Sri Lankan Navy), have been directly invited to compete in the prestigious Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in Tokyo, Japan from 3 to 7 October. This marks a significant achievement for the Island nation, as they seek to make their mark on the international golfing stage.

The Asia Pacific Amateur Championship is one of the most important amateur golf, attracting top players from the Asia-Pacific Region. First it took place in 2009, tournament is organised by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament, R and A.

The winner of the event receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament and The Open Championship, to be played in USA making it a highly coveted title.

Reshan Algama, Sri Lankan golfing sensation at just 16 years of age, though a junior golfer, has been making waves in the amateur circuit, winning over 7 tournaments in 2023 and 2024. Algama will create history as the youngest Sri Lankan to compete in the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship to-date.

Reshan Algama’ was also the first Sri Lankan to play in the US Junior Amateur in Detroit couple of weeks back. Chalitha Pushpika, on the other hand, has represented Sri Lanka on multiple occasions and is currently serving in the Sri Lankan Navy. Chalitha, 30-year-old seasoned amateur, will also be representing Sri Lanka. Pushpika has played in multiple past editions of the APGC amateurs and has extensive experience competing at the international level.

The tournament, which features the top amateur golfers from the Asia-Pacific region, is typically attended by the top amateurs from each country, as determined by the World Amateur Golf Ranking.