8 January 2025 08:30 am Views - 168
By Shamseer Jaleel
The Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) in collaboration with DFCC Bank-sponsored Faldo Series Sri Lanka 2025 took place for the very first time, marking a significant milestone in the journey to develop junior golf in the country.
The opening day saw Reshan Algama with an impressive form with a four under par round of 67 taking the overall lead in the 13 to 16 segment for Boys’. Ayan Ahmed of India was placed second with a score of 72.
Meanwhile, Kaya Daluwatta, delivered another top-class performance with a three-under-par round of 69 to lead the Girls’ 13-21 category. Dia Cris Kumar of India was placed second with a score of 75.
In the age segment 17-21 Boys’ segment, Haroon Aslam, who is following golf and studies in the USA, delivered a steady performance, sharing the top position with Yannik Kumara, both carding a solid one-over-par score of 72. Shamit Dakhane of India was third in this segment with a score of 73.
The Faldo Futures (Boys’ 11-12) category also saw some spirited performances from emerging young golfers. Lavindu Premaratna and Yuvan Rathis Kanth shared the top spot with identical scores of 39, setting a strong benchmark in their age group.
More than 110 golfers teed off with 15 overseas participants. This event is sponsored by DFCC Bank, taking golf to the next generation.
Day 1 leaders (Top 3): Boys 17-21: 1. Haroon Aslam – 72, 2. Yannik Kumara – 72, 3. Shamit Dakhane (India) – 73. Boys’ 13-16: 1. Reshan Algama – 67, 2. Ayan Ahmed (India) – 72, 3. Vivaan Ubhayakar (India) – 72. Girls’ 13-21: 1. Kaya Daluwatta – 69, 2. Dia Cris Kumar (India) – 75, 3. Jeeva Ashok (India) – 82, Faldo Futures (Boys’ 11-12): 1. Lavindu Premaratna – 39, 2. Yuvan Rathis Kanth – 39, 3. Darren Lai (Hong Kong) – 40. Faldo Futures (Girls’ 11-12): 1. Genuli Weerakoon (42), 2. Nimasha Iddamalgoda (53), 3. Mihneli Herath (56), Faldo Futures Boys’ (9-10): 1.Vivaan Singh (India) -37, 2. Jaeden Sathasivam – 43, 3. Abiman Abeywardhana – 46. Faldo Futures Girls’ (9-10): 1. Ananya Kishanthan (43), 2. Asshna Amogha (India) – 45, 3. Brighton Chan (Hong Kong) – 49. Faldo Futures (7-8): 1. Rahein Manatunga - (56), 2. Vallen Phanuel Menezes – (57), 3. T. Omitha - (61).