Young golfers shine at first-ever Regional Junior Open

The first ever Regional Junior Open took place at the picturesque Victoria Golf and Country Club on 26 and 27 January 2013. This tournament was open to all players under the age of 18 years and was sponsored by Prima and organised by the Sri Lanka Golf Union. It was very encouraging to witness 43 junior golfers from 8 to 17 years taking part.

Gold division

The winner of the Gold division (for boys and girls between the age of 15 and 17) was won by 17-year-old Chalitha Pushpika from the Royal Colombo Golf Club and a member of the Development Squad run by the Golf Union. Chalitha was 12 shots ahead of his closest rival R. Illaya Raja from Victoria Golf and Country Club. Chalitha had rounds of 88 and 80 for a total of 166.

Winner – 166 Chalitha Pushpika RCGC (86, 80)

Second – 178 R. Ilaya Raja VGCR (92, 86)

Third – 187 L. Dhanu Karan VGCR (93, 94)

Fourth – 188 Shemani Jagoda RCGC (90, 98)

Silver division

The winner was 14 year Zaffar Sikkandar. Zaffar was 7 shots ahead of Prashan Peiris, who was on 164.

Winner – 157 Zaffar Sikkandar RCGC (73, 84)

Second – 164 Preshan Peiris RCGC (83, 81)

Third – 184 G. Dhana Ranjan VGCR (95, 89)

Fourth – 185 Sathsara Dilshan RCGC (91, 94)

Bronze division

This was won by 8-year-old O. Kriwatt from Victoria Golf and Country Club who was 1 shot ahead of Kayla Perera from Colombo.

Winner – 109 O. Kriwatt VGCR (53, 56)

Second – 110 Kayla Perera RCGC (50, 60)

Third – 113 Vinuk Welikala RCGC (53, 60)

Fourth – 121 S.D.M. Hirushan RCGC (57, 64)

Fifth – Dhalia Heshiba VGCR (63, 59)