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One of the most anticipated events on Sri Lanka’s golfing calendar -the Donald Steele tournament- took place on Saturday 15 February, pitting over 60 local and international amateur golfers against each other on the picturesque golf course greens of the Victoria Golf and Country Resort.
The annual championship was hosted by the Victoria Golf and Country Resort -as it has since the club’s opening 21 years ago- kickstarting yet another exciting year of golfing where 16-year-old Haroon Aslam was crowned the 2020 champion with a formidable gross score of 34. Yuki Asakawa emerged as the runner up with 28 points.
The cream of the local golfing community as well as superior golfing talent from over 15 countries the world over convened on the greens for a stimulating day of competitive sport. Open to all amateur golfers with a valid handicap, the tournament was played in the Stableford format over 18 holes.
The Pam Fernando trophy for ladies was won by Melanie Bond -with a gross score of 26-, and Ahalya Rajan earned the runner up position with 25 gross points.
Desiree Penn emerged as the winner of the senior ladies’ and men’s combined event with an impressive score of 33 nett points.
Other prizes too were up for grabs, as contestants vied for titles in various other categories.
Taking the Nearest to the Pin title from the ladies’ competition was Marilyn Mora, with the award going to Alan Bond from the gents. The prize for the Longest Drive was won by Jelenka Jelniker from the ladies’ competition and Kasup Silver from the gents.
The tournament takes its name from noted golfer, writer, award-winning course designer, and one-time President of the United Kingdom Professional Golfers Union, Donald Steele, who took on the challenge of building an exhilarating course on 558 acres of coconut plantation nestled amidst the scenic Rajawella landscape in the central hills of Kandy.
Now one of the most attractive courses lauded by golfing enthusiasts, publications and awarding bodies, the Victoria Golf and Country Resort has consistently upgraded its offering over the years in its goal to provide a world-class experience for its members and visiting participants. Renovations to further enhance the property and its course are also currently underway, including the rehabilitation of the greens as well as re-laying of new grass “Zoysio Zorro” variety- on the fairways, installation of a fully-automated irrigation system, renovation of cart paths, refurbishment of the club house and its many facilities, as well as the addition of new bunkers, golf machinery, and golf carts to the club’s existing fleet. The current refurbishment of the course -as well as any future overhauls- will be carried out under the expertise of it’s management company Troon International. Troon International, is a leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, around the world. Troon, Head Quartered in Scottsdale, Arizona , USA and it’s international arm Troon International Operates from UAE. Troon started as one facility in 1990 and has since grown to become the world’s largest professional club management company. Troon provide services to 440+ locations and 510+ golf courses, while also managing various amenities, such as tennis, aquatics, fitness, food & beverage, lodging and more around the world.
John Keells Properties -Sri Lanka’s leading property development and management company- has collaborated with Troon International to make every golfer’s dream come true, by enhancing the Victoria Golf and Country Resort offering even further. Future plans include the development of the property around the Golf course with luxurious villas, townhouses and other attractive propositions for those who want a piece of this serene environment.