Josephian schoolboys get a lesson in golf

By S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Corr

GOLF: Twentyfive schoolboys from St. Joseph's College, Colombo, made their trek to the beautiful Victoria golf course at Rajawella to attend a golf coaching clinic organised by the Victoria Golf and Country Resort and returned home richer by their experience and vowed to return when time permitted and the 'golf bug' had bitten them.

This was a programme organised by the Victoria Golf and Country Resort under the guidance of the world governing body for golf - Royal & Ancient in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Golf Union and Victoria Golf and Country Resort for the promotion and development of golf in the country.

The 25 schoolboys accompanied by two members of the staff, one of them being a padre, were stunned by the beauty of the golf course and the immaculate condition in which it had been maintained - international standards. The arrangement at the golf course was handled by General Manager Errol Johnston, Marketing Executive Dhanushika Medagoda, and the Security Manager Anil de Silva co-ordinated the programme. The caddies and the support staff also gave a helping hand.

The 25 schoolboys who had never handled a golf club before were put through their paces by the Club Professional Sumith Nishantha who said the boys had talent and needed more exposure. They were taught the art of 'putting' and driving and other intricacies of the game.

It was moment they cherished and playing in an international golf absolutely free and the equipment too provided is something out of their dreams. On their part, they made the best use of the opportunity.

Also trying his hand was a padre from the school, perhaps for the first time a golfer was seen practising wearing a cassock. This was one day the schoolboys will always remember. They were also provided with light refreshments by the organisers.