Then came a golfing Wettimuny

The Wettimuny brothers Sunil, Mitra and Sidath are some of the proud products of Ananda College. The trio has created many firsts for Sri Lanka Cricket before and after gaining test status in 1990.

It was their father Ramsay Gregory de Silva Wettimuny, a keen cricketer and an ardent promoter, who helped them at grassroots level. An engineer by profession, Ramsay had five sons the youngest being Nimal a leg spinner who turned out for SSC in division one cricket. Then the eldest Sunil, Mitra, and Sidath, created history in the annals of Sri Lanka cricket when they opened batting for the country. The third son Ranjan turned out for Trinity and played first Xl cricket after moving out from Ananda. However this episode is not on cricket but, about the 17-year-old Sanjay, a talented young golfer. His father Sidath, was first Sri Lankan batsman to score a test 100 at Lord’s – 190. Sedate Sidath was a world-class batsman.

In spite hailing from a cricketing family Sanjay is going on a different course. He has already made his mark in golf at home and away. He learnt the skills in the shadow of his father at the RCGC. It was Sidath who nursed him at grassroots level like his father did for him at cricket.

Last weekend Sanjay was runner-up to Arshad, in the December Monthly Medal nett 68 with a handicap of 5. The Sunday Times caught up with Sanjay late last week.

Q: What made you take up golf when the Wettimuny clan indulged in cricket?

A: I, too indulge in the willow wielding sport, playing for the CIS under 17 cricket team. My father taught me to hold the bat handle grip, besides golf. However, there is, too much pressure in cricket. There are other factors too, despite being talented one my apparently get dropped by the wayside. I have better chances of going places in golf. This year I was in the selection squad for the Doha Asiad. I have already represented the country on several occasions and met with reasonable success in foreign courses.
It was a winning debut in ear 2004 at the junior open international in Pakistan, held in Karachi. Won the under -14 open championship. Since then I have played in India, Singapore, Indonesia and Thialand. The same year (2004), in Singapore. Binupa Wijesinghe and me did well to help Sri Lanka to be placed 3rd in the open junior team event. Hosts Singapore was winner and Malaysia runner-up.

Q: Did at any stage your Thathi coax you to play (his first love) in cricket?

A: No. he taught me the basics, but never forced me. It was left for me to decide my future. His first lesson was to adhere to the rules and maintain the spirit of the game, what ever it is even if one was at the receiving end. Face setbacks courageously than making excuses. He has experienced in his early part of his life.

Q: Yes. Who coached you besides your father in golf?

A: The Sri Lanka Junior Golf Academy had a summer programme for youngsters. It was handled by the Holland professional coach Henk Stevens. All the youngsters benefited from him. Presently I am being coached by the local Professional at the RCGC Daniel Glenn. Apparently, there is no discrimination, at present times. Be it the less affluent caddies or otherwise.

Q: Who is your sports idol?

A: Tiger Woods. To achieve success one must posses mental toughness, stamina and concentration. Train regularly four days a week spends about two hours even on sticky greens.

Q: Any other sport besides golf?

A: Cricket and swimming. Currently I am participating in the schools under-17 tournament playing as a bowling allrounder. I am a medium pace bowler.

Q: Who is your cricketing idol?

A: Sanath Jayasuriya (local) Rickey Ponting and Andrew Flintoff. All three are entertaining cricketers to watch and admire.