RCGC Open returns after 22 years

Tournament to take place from 24-28 July

Open to professionals and amateurs 

Rs. 100,000 prize money for winner 

Entry deadline 6.00 p.m. today

The RCGC Open Golf Championship has been resurrected after a 22-year lapse, it was announced yesterday, after Altair - the twin tower luxury condominium looking to redefine Colombo’s skyline - came forward as tournament sponsors.

Over 100 of the best men’s golfers in the country are expected to take part in next week’s tournament, with 10 local professionals also expected to participate. While the tournament is open to foreign golfers, none are expected to take part this year. 

With Rs. 600,000 in total prize money on offer, the tournament promises to attract some of the best golfing talent in the country. Rs. 100,000 will be awarded to the winner at the end of four rounds of stroke play. 

Indocean Developers Director Pradeep Moraes (left) and Royal Colombo Golf Club Captain Ranil Pathirane  exchanging agreements

“There will be a cut-off after the first two days, after which the best 30 golfers will advance to the final two days. Top favourites of this year’s tournament are Sri Lanka’s veteran golfer and Asian Games Silver Medalist Nandasena Perera’s son Mithun Perera as well as Anura Rohana, Prabagharan and N. Thangaraja,” added General Manager RCGC Retired Wing Commander Nalin Jayethileke.

The tournament, which was first held in 1970, was a regular event on the country’s golfing calendar until 1995, and alongside the Sri Lanka Open was the only open tournament - open to both professionals and amateurs - in the country. However, in 1995, with the Sri Lanka Open taking precedence, the tournament was discontinued due to “unavoidable circumstances”. 

Before it was halted, the RCGC Open had an illustrious history. The RCGC’s resident professional H.L Premadasa won the championship the first three years, after which Nandasena Perera, widely considered Sri Lanka’s best ever golfer, won it a record seven times. Club amateurs Pheroze Billimoria and Rusi Captain won it twice and once respectively, while other winners included Jessie Perera and Tissa Chandradasa, who took home the trophy the last time it was played.

“Twenty-two years is a very long time and I think it would merit it being called not just a revival but almost a resurrection, a new beginning completely. As such, we look forward to supporting this event, even in the years to come,” said Indocean Developers Director Pradeep Moraes.

“We are particularly pleased to be involved with this RCGC Open, because Altair has been an agent for change and it is apt that we find ourselves involved in this event which promises to bring change to the manner in which golf is played in Sri Lanka.”

The deadline for entry into the tournament is 6.00 p.m. today.