Sports - What ails golf in Sri Lanka ?

The Mecca of Golf in Sri Lanka is the Royal Colombo and everything possible must be done not only to develop the game but also protect the property. With the arrival of the renowned British Coach Daniel Glenn prospects for the development of the game appear bright but the stark danger is the absolute indiscipline on the Ridgeways.

When Kumar Boralessa exited as Captain at the end of his term on the 31st of March 2005 he left behind a well kept course. There was discipline on and off the course and bulging coffers. Where he failed was that he was never able, despite spirited efforts, to improve the poor standard of Food & Service. It is now with the change in supervisory management that shades of improvement are noticeable in style and presentation of Food & Service.

Extravagance & neglect
However, it is sad to note that the Course has perished in patches. Intruders have taken over a few fairways, notably the 2nd & 3rd and on the 12th thuggery is the order of the day. Golf balls are pinched, foreigners are intimidated and members are threatened. The authorities do not seem to confront and resolve this fast deteriorating state of affairs. Another area of indiscipline is the security at the Car Park. Much mischief goes on and the latest is luxury cars are being vandalized by hired goons. The perpetrators have been identified but not arrested. I would like to suggest that immediate investigations are carried out. To this end Mylvaganam and Bakerman must move on to the scene now. Control intruders and stop this rot. If they are fearful of the assignment they can take with them a posse of Security Guards, which will afford them an opportunity of judging how effective they are.

Caddies
An absolutely neglected lot over the years, there are no signs that they will be given opportunities to improve their skills. This situation is most regrettable when we consider that our caddies are a national sports asset. Since the legendary Pin Fernando no one has surfaced among the amateurs with any significant talent. Nandasena Perera the caddie turned amateur came later in all conquering style capturing crowns on the Sub-Continent, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand and at home and finally ending up as the 2nd best golfer in Asia – Runner Up at the Asian Games.

Considerate officials and well wishers at the time gave him encouragement and supported him. He was given a coaching assignment that unfortunately does not exist today, gravely affecting his livelihood. His son, the prodigy Mithun Perera is coached by Nandasena and the 19 year old kid is playing at an amazing handicap of plus 3. It is hoped that Daniel Glenn will take a good look at him and bring Mithun under his protective wing.

On the subject of caddies, I read with great grief a comment made by Bakerman in the July 21 issue of Sports Weekly. I quote.” We don’t authorize them to play golf, but of course they use the course without our knowledge, to practice early in the morning if there is no one there, but they have no authority to do so. This is a private members course.” How selfish! How shortsighted! How arrogant. By making such public comments does Bakerman realize the risk to the club’s exalted role in a society where privilege must not be exploited at the expense of the less privileged

Coach
The British coach Daniel Glenn has settled in exceptionally well. He is knowledgeable and an accomplished golfer. He handles his assignment with style and finesse. He is loaded with appointments and there is a queue of golfers lining up to benefit from his instructions and advice at quite a nominal fee of Rs.1000/- per ½ hour.

Chris Seymour
Our last coach was very caddie-friendly, and several of them including Nandasena Perera came under his wing. He identified the neglect and battled the Committee to provide the caddies more opportunities. Eventually he succeeded and it was a common sight to see him play with them in 4 ball encounters. He even caddied for Nandasena on an extensive Asian tour. He loved the caddies – the caddies adored him.

To the powers that be at the Royal Colombo I counsel, give up snob values, appreciate and understand that the future of our golf is largely dependant on the talent and success of Mithun Perera and our caddies. Bring back discipline, put in place a well designed, effective coaching scheme. Take charge and stamp your authority before the course starts to slip out of your hands remembering that a golf course in this zonal area of a city can be the envy of many green eyed folk. The pristine glory of the Royal Colombo must be zealously guarded, so that our members today and the generations to come can be proud of belonging to a great sports institution.