2nd Sri Lanka Golf National Ranking Championships Excitement builds as golf c’ships tee off today

Reigning champion Chanaka Perera

By Shamseer Jaleel
Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) is set to host the highly anticipated 2nd Sri Lanka Golf National Ranking Championships 2024 from today (25) until March 28. The tee-off is expected at 9 a.m.
Golf enthusiasts are gearing up for the four days of intense competition, as some of Sri Lanka’s finest amateur golfers will be in action with their skills on the green, with 27 golfers teeing off in the tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Golf (SLG).
The reigning champion, Chanaka Perera, is once again the hot favourite to clinch the title. With an impressive track record and world amateur ranking, Perera’s formidable presence on the course is undeniable. However, he faces tough competition from the likes of Chalitha Pushpika and Uchitha Ranasinghe, both seasoned players in their own right. Ranasinghe, who secured third place in the previous tournament, is eager to climb the ranks and claim victory this time around. Adding to the excitement is the participation of the junior sensation, Reshan Algama. The young, left-handed golfer, who dominated the circuit last year with three tournament wins, is poised to make his mark once again. Algama’s exceptional talent and unwavering determination makes him a force to be reckoned with on the course.

Another rising star to watch out for is Yannik Kumara, making his first appearance this year. With his promising potential and fresh perspective, Kumara is expected to shake up the competition and leave a lasting impression on spectators and competitors alike. Also, there will be some top-class golfers, such as Priya Hemantha and Adhithya Weerasinghe, who will tee off.
In the world ranking at present, Reshan Algama (595) leads the local list, followed by Chanaka Perera (891) and Uchitha Ranasinghe (996).
Two top-class junior golfers, Jevahn Sathasivam and Kaya Daluwatte, will both miss this tournament due to their studies.
The tournament, organised and supported by SLG, headed by Ranil Peiris, serves as a platform to showcase the nation’s top amateur talent. With a focus on building and profiling Sri Lanka’s best, the event holds immense significance for the golfing community.
The format of the tournament will be 72 holes of Stroke Play Gross, spanning four rigorous days.