Janaki and Neroy off to Shanghai to witness HSBC World Golf Champions Tournament

The most anticipated HSBC flagship Premier Golf Tournament concluded over the weekend with a record number of golfers competing for the HSBC Premier Challenge Trophy, at the picturesque Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. 

Janaki Sugathapala became the overall winner to take home the HSBC Premier Challenge Trophy 2016 with a score of 32 points. Neroy Marso was adjudged overall winner in the A & B Division with a score of 31 points on a B/B9 including a “hole in one” on the 17th hole for the first time at the HSBC Premier Golf Tournament. 

The winners were each presented with fully sponsored hospitality packages to witness the HSBC WGC Champions Tournament scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China from 25 to 31 October. 

Expressing her thoughts on winning the tournament, Janaki Sugathapala commented “Being new to the game and winning the tournament is a major milestone for me. I became the runner up at the 2015 HSBC Premier Golf tournament and had my sights set on winning the 2016 tournament.  It’s a dream come true to witness the HSBC WGC in Shanghai this year and I look forward to the event.” 

Neroy Marso stated, “I have always enjoyed taking part in the HSBC Premier Golf Tournament as it’s a fun day out with friends. Playing with a handicap of 18, winning was never my intention, but rather enjoying the game and having a good time. When I scored the ‘hole in 1’ it was an enthralling experience for me. Having played golf for nearly 15 years this was my first major win. Playing with so many pro golfers and winning at the end of the day was a landmark win for me.” 

The tournament has proved to be an exciting event looked forward to by HSBC Premier customers, with each year bringing forth a new dimension to the game through a customary pre-event challenge.  This has brought about an element of fun and a challenge for golfers from ‘swing under the stars’, to the first ever foot golf (kick for birdie), with this year marking another first with ‘The ultimate bunker challenge’ held on the 18th green side bunker, that saw  many HSBC Premier golfers showcase their skills. Sathies Balasubramaniam having proved his skill and accuracy by only falling short of 7 inches to the Pin, become the ultimate winner of the pre event. 

Nilantha Bastian, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management commented, “We are extremely pleased to have completed another successful HSBC Premier Golf tournament at the Nuwara Eliya golf club amidst the cool atmosphere. This year was particularly exciting as we set another fun challenge for golfers with the ‘Ultimate Bunker Challenge to give players a new experience of golf, which was much enjoyed by our customers. The tournament was equally competitive and exciting and we hope our winners this year, Janaki Sugathapala and Neroy Marso will continue to enjoy their experience when they witness the WGC HSBC Champions Tournament in Shanghai alongside the top 50 ranked golfers in the world.” 

HSBC Premier Golfers were also treated to exclusive benefits on lodging, travel and golf merchandise to make the experience even more rewarding. 

The tournament was concluded with an entertainment packed awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.