Dedication – Thangaraja’s pathway from zero to hero
and those sprawling greens held no appeal whatsoever. When Nadaraja Thangaraja first arrived at Water’s Edge Golf Course, he wasn’t there to play. He was there to work as a caddy, carrying bags, earning a living in the only way available to him at the time.
“I didn’t like it at all,” he admits with a laugh, remembering those early days in an interview with the Sunday Times.
Thangaraja was a tailor before picking up a club, and his dream was modest but clear. He wanted to save enough to start his own small clothing business. Golf wasn’t part of that picture. But life, as it often does, had different plans.
Today, the man who once found golf boring stands among the region’s most accomplished professional golfers. With multiple victories on India’s Professional Golf (IPG) Tour and a trophy cabinet that keeps expanding, his story offers a master-class in perseverance and self-belief.
The turning point came through an unexpected source. While caddying for Shama Perera, wife of Water’s Edge owner Sumal Perera, Thangaraja’s curiosity caught her attention. She encouraged him to try hitting a few balls after his shifts ended.
With world number two Rory McIlroy
Those tentative first swings gradually turned into something more. Then came the moment that hooked him: one perfectly clean strike. The sound of ball meeting club resonated in a way that changed everything.
“That feeling, I’ll never forget it,” he recalls. “From that moment, I just wanted to feel it again.”
But wanting to play and being able to afford it were two different things. Unlike most competitive golfers, Thangaraja had no private coaching, no expensive equipment, and no financial cushion. What he possessed was determination.
He practiced relentlessly. Nine-hour sessions under the scorching sun became routine. He studied other players, mimicked their techniques, learned through countless mistakes. His dedication eventually caught the eye of Ana Punchihewa of cricket fame who was the President of Sri Lanka Golf Union.
Punchihewa asked him a direct question: “Do you want to stay a caddy or become a golfer?”
Thangaraja wanted to play, but needed approximately Rs. 40,000 to begin properly. Punchihewa helped arrange a sponsor, a relatively small amount that proved life-changing.
“That was a blessing from God,” Thangaraja says. “Without that help, I wouldn’t be here today.”
His breakthrough arrived in 2007 with selection to the national team. By 2013, he had turned professional. Since then, the victories have accumulated steadily: seven PGTI titles in India, two in Sri Lanka, and numerous amateur championships including the Sri Lanka Amateur Championships in both 2011 and 2025.
The past five weeks have been particularly successful. Victory at the Chennai Open was followed by a 14th-place finish in rain-affected Hyderabad, then a runner-up position in Coimbatore, before another triumph in Bengaluru.
This week finds him in Delhi, competing in a European circuit event alongside some of golf’s biggest names, including world number two Rory McIlroy.
“Sometimes it still feels unreal,” he says. “To think I once carried clubs for other people, and now I’m playing alongside some of the best in the world, it’s humbling.”
Golf demands mental fortitude as much as physical skill, Thangaraja explains. Tournaments typically span nearly a week, testing patience and concentration throughout.
“The mental side is everything,” he says. “You lose concentration for even a minute, and you’re done.”
His preparation is meticulous. The day before each tournament, he walks the entire course, studying every bunker and green. That evening, he visualises his shots, mentally rehearsing the round. Physical fitness remains equally important.
“When you’re tired, your mind goes first,” he notes. “So I stay fit—it helps me stay calm when it matters.”
That discipline has delivered results. This year alone: three titles, Ahmedabad Open, Chennai Open, and Bengaluru Open. Behind these achievements stands unwavering family support. His wife, formerly employed at the Government Agent’s office, left her career so he could pursue his.
“She’s been my biggest support,” Thangaraja says. “She looked after everything at home so I could travel, practice, and play.”
The family lives in Mulleriyawa with their three children, all now learning golf.
“I never had anyone to teach me,” he reflects. “But I want my kids to grow up with that chance. Whatever I’ve achieved, it’s because my family never gave up on me.”
Sponsorship from Access Group between 2013 and 2019 provided crucial financial stability, allowing him to focus entirely on improvement rather than survival. In 2022, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, led by President Suresh Subramaniam, extended financial support for his participation in several tournaments, a gesture he recalls with deep gratitude.
“There were days I worried about just surviving,” he acknowledges. “Now I can focus on improving and helping others.”
The financial transformation has been dramatic. From earning a modest caddy’s wage to substantial tournament winnings, Thangaraja’s journey illustrates what determination can achieve.
“I couldn’t even afford my own clubs once,” he remembers. “Premadasa Golf Shop gave me a set for free. I’ll always be grateful for that kindness.”
He now owns a home, drives his own car, and enjoys something more valuable than material possessions: peace of mind.
“Golf gave me everything,” he says simply. “It changed my life completely.”
Thangaraja plans to compete professionally for at least another four years. But the motivation has shifted beyond personal glory.
“I just want to show people it’s never too late,” he explains. “I started at 27, most people think that’s too late. But if you work hard, believe in yourself, and stay humble, anything is possible.”
From carrying golf bags to competing against world champions, Thangaraja hasn’t just climbed the professional ranks. He’s demonstrated that dedication and belief can rewrite what seems possible.