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Old Golfers never die - they just lose their.....
Like the adage "Old Soldiers never die they only fade away" the old golfers, much respected and revered personages on the Royal Colombo Golf Course, either fade away losing their balls or hang around until St. Peter announce their tee-off time on his blissful course. While some continue to hit the hell out of the dimples within the capacity of their aging bodies, others have sadly opted to retreat into milder sedentary lifestyles of the aged. Some of the best and famous of the latter group are Dhammika Fernando younger brother of the golf maestro Pin Fernando.

A stylish single handicapper in his tournament winning days. Ifthikar Ismail retired Vice Chairman of Unilevers, a classy Captain and President of the Club, a single handicapper and match winner in the 70's and 80's, his pursuits are now cerebral and academic. Christo de Livera the eminent Attorney, skilled at parrying words, and former President now eschews the course and his early haunt the glorious 19th.

Ivers Gunasekera a brilliant golfer, as he was a cricketer and tennis star, is seen occasionally on the course with his inimitable slouch but otherwise devotes all his time to his beloved wife. Tita Nathanielsz, Ceylon cricketer of Ivers era hung up his clubs but is a regular patron of the 19th and last year's Club President.

Mahes Rodrigo renowned for his cricket and rugby achievements in the 40's and 50's took to golf too late to win laurels but retains his sporting guile with the stationary little white ball in the dry zone of the course. Sadly missing from the course recently is Dr. Shelton Jayasinghe, respected medical practitioner, former Club Captain and President with the green fingers. A recent accident when he mistakenly attempted to walk through a glass panel caused injuries that have prematurely curtailed his golf. Famous surgeon Tony Gabriel, a former President, with a personality as large as his frame cannot be missed on his infrequent visits.

Of the ball beaters still on the course the most commendable is octogenarian Johanne Leembruggen, a man with personality and positive charm, former Corporate Chairman, playwright and actor. Sohli Captain still smart and elegant hits a helluva good ball and enjoys participation over Nutri C Orange. Siri de Silva with the Hammer & Syckle swing enjoys the water, rests in the rough and gets out of trouble admirably. P.I. Pieris turned quite huge in recent years was stylish but now his "hula hoop" hips irritate him forcing him to skip the game. Gamini Corea a tall power filled man stood over the ball like the "learning tower of Pisa" cracked his shots and limped behind the ball. Sadly he is ill and will not adorn the course. Walter Mendis of "Special Fame" played off the back foot with great accuracy. Not a regular anymore he devotes his time to Rowena his charming wife and to the improvement of the spirit in his bottled specials. P.S. Kumara a Tennis star of distinction in his early youth has been around the Ridgeways for just over 40 years. Plays crack of dawn golf very regularly in happy company. Is never seen on the 19th Frank Weeraratne a delightfully pleasant Senior has a healthy style which helps him pick awards occasionally.

Norman Gunawardena quite serious thrives on halter skelter golf. Moves in and out of the rough and enjoys a dip in the ponds. Tremendously enthusiastic about the game and great to listen to at the lively 19th over Vintage Wine.

Younger Seniors
In this category we have some great chaps. Michael Dias talks to his ball but claims they are quite disobedient. Haris Serasinghe stands tall and his occasional complaint is that his balls do not respond to his tall orders. Lalin Samarawickrema has a charm all of his own and has much influence over his balls. He says he is happy with the response he gets. Suranjan de Silva has a running battle with his "titleists" but he has no cause to grumble. Doc. A.H. Sheriffdeen the "Sheriff of the Ridgeways" never complains.

He calls the shots and finally Narendra Wijemanne the massive structure also known as the "Slow Boat to China" has a happy style of coaxing which he loves to describe at the 19th before he moves home for his Sunday Rice & Curry. Recently on the scene Elmo de Silva is come to be known as Tsunami a disaster on the course. The Seniors and not so Seniors combine to give the game of golf a complexion, a texture and pleasure no other game can.

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