Kandy Regional Junior Open Golf Championship 2023 Reshan and Sherin stamp their class at Rajawella

Regional Junior winners in all segments with SLG and VGR officials  

Gold Segment winner in the Boys event Reshan Algama 

Sherin Balasuriya won Gold for Girls segment   

By Shamseer Jaleel

Reshan Algama fought back boldly from his number two position on day one to win the Gold Segment for Boys at the Prima Sunrise sponsored Kandy Regional Junior Open Golf Championship which took place at Rajawella.

This exciting tournament not only showcased the incredible talent of Sri Lanka’s Junior Golfers but also highlighted the importance of nurturing and promoting the sport at a grassroots level. 

Sri Lanka Golf Union deserves commendation for organizing such an event, providing a platform for young talent to shine with the sponsor, Prima Sunrise propping up on the final day of the event, having been with junior golf for more than 15 years.

The rising star from Colombo International School (CIS) Reshan Algama’s stellar performance not only solidified his status as a golf sensation but also underscored the potential for golf to become a primary sport in Sri Lanka.

Starting the day just one shot behind the leader Jevahn Sathasivam, Algama showcased nerves of steel and a brilliant one-over-par score of 151, ultimately defeating his competitors by a six-stroke margin. 

This triumph marked his second consecutive Regional Tournament win, proving that Algama is a force to be reckoned with.
Sathasivam, who led the tournament at the start of day one, finished with a score of 157. 

Sathasivam too showed his class as a player who could be hitting the top in the future. 

Algama’s exceptional play over the final five holes showcased his determination and composure under pressure coming strongly in the end bringing the best out of him and saving the best for the last.

In the highly competitive Gold Division (12-18+ years, 18 holes), Sherin Balasuriya emerged victorious with a score of 155, defeating Dhevinka Kanag-Isvaran by a substantial margin (175).

The Silver Division (12-14+ years, 18 holes) saw Anuradhapura’s dominance, with Adithya Weerasinghe (156) and Janeesh Weerasinghe (163) clinching the top two spots. 
Keya Abhayaratne stood atop the Silver Division (12-14+ years, 18 holes) with a score of 187, outshining the competition. 

Dilini Amarwansa from Anuradhapura secured the second position.

In the Bronze Division (10-11+ years, 14 holes) for boys, Revaan Amarasinghe exhibited exceptional skill, claiming the top position with a score of 132. 
The Bronze Division (10 - 11+ years, 14 holes) for girls was won by Vihara Herath from Anuradhapura with Genuli Weerakoon coming in second.
The Copper Division (9+ and under, 9 holes) witnessed Jaeden Sathasivam, younger brother of Jevahn, impressing victory with a score of 81. 

Another top breed Yuvan Rathis Kanth ended second. 

Ananya Kishanthan clinched the Copper Division (9+ and Under 9 years, 9 holes) for girls, solidifying her place at the top with a score of 103, while P. Naveeshana secured the second position.