Etisalat to power up 14th Annual Donald Steel Trophy

Etisalat Lanka continues to further emphasise its commitment to Sri Lankan golf by joining hands as the main sponsor of the 14th Annual Donald Steel Trophy. On behalf of the tournament, a board event will be held at the Victoria Golf and Country Resort, Kandy on 9 February 2013.

Donald Steel Trophy is the flagship annual tournament of the picturesque Victoria Golf and Country Resort. The tournament, named after the designer of the golf course, marks the opening of the golf course and is linked to the Club’s history and tradition.

The well-established tournament has been graced by numerous local and foreign golfers over the years, all of whom contest in an atmosphere of friendly but competitive rivalry.

Speaking of the tournament, Etisalat Sri Lanka Director/CEO, Dumindra Ratnayaka stated, “Etisalat has always being committed to Sri Lankan sports and the development of true sportsmanship across all sports. As we continue to build our growing relationship with golf in Sri Lanka, we look forward to this prestigious tournament with much anticipation.

“It’s a tournament steeped in tradition and some top class golfing talent will be on display.” He added that Etisalat will continue to support and nurture golf in Sri Lanka, with the company now very much an integral part of the local golfing community.

Etisalat Lanka’s continued backing for golf in Sri Lanka has seen the company become the first private organisation to partner with all four golf clubs in Sri Lanka.

The company most recently sponsored the ‘Club Championship 2012’ held at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) in October 2012.

Giving his views on the upcoming tournament, Victoria Golf and Country Resort General Manager Errol Johnston stated, “We are anticipating an exciting tournament this year considering the increased number of golfers participating.

“It is great to see Etisalat Lanka continuing to support us and we look forward to their continued backing in future tournaments. I am sure it will be a fantastic event and I believe the golfers will rise to the occasion by putting up an outstanding display.”

Spread over a sprawling 558 acre coconut plantation, the Victoria Golf course was opened for golfing in 1999. The 18-hole course was designed by the world renowned golf architect and one-time President of the United Kingdom’s Professional Golfer’s Union Donald Steel with assistance from Martin Ebert.

Fittingly, the first golf championship organised in this course was named after its designer Donald Steel.

The course has won international acclaim and is ranked among the 100 most beautiful golf courses in the world. It has also won the ‘Best Golf Course in the sub continent’ award five times since 2002.

Last year’s winners of the Donald Steel Trophy were Sidath Wettimuny (Men’s section) and Suwen Selvaratnam (Ladies’ section).

In addition to the main championship, there will be numerous other events such as The Ebert Pot (Best net score Men’s), Pam Fernando Trophy (Best gross score Ladies’), Victoria Bowl (Best net score Ladies’), Nearest the Pin (Men’s and Ladies’) and the Longest Drive (Men’s and Ladies’).