|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 31 August 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Sports |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
SLGU's five-year plan to improve game ready in October by LAL GUNESEKERA The five-year plan which is being embarked upon by the Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) to improve the game will be ready by end October to be implemented and will also be handed over to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Johnston Fernando, for his support. A spokesman for the SLGU told the Sunday Observer that Minister Johnston Fernando will be requested to help the SLGU for a piece of land for the purpose of a public driving range, close to Colombo either in Kotte or Battaramulla areas. The Minister will also be requested to help out with the cost of a top coach from overseas and get them down to Sri Lanka more often, as getting them once a year, which is being happened at present, is inadequate. The SLGU are also preparing to send players for the Singapore Open Amateur Championship in September, four for the Pakistan Open Amateur Championship at Islamabad in mid-October and also the All-India Junior Open Championship in November-December for which the venue is not yet finalised. The Sri Lanka Open Amateur Championship, is to be worked off this year on a stroke-play format for the first time, at Nuwara-Eliya from November 22 to 29, and the SLGU hopes that this new format will get favourable response from India, Pakistane, Bangladesh, Nepal, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong and UK. The SLGU spokesman, also said that 'one leg' of the Indian Professional Circuit will now be held possibly in February next year (2004) at the RCGC. It was earlier scheduled for September, but talks are yet going on with prospective sponsors as the SLGU needs at least Rs. 6 to 7 million to stage this event in Sri Lanka where the total prize-money is in the region of Rs. 2 1/2 million. He said: "We are trying very hard to get SriLankan Airlines involved as a co-sponsor and get some good rebates on air tickets for players to come to Colombo from India. The return air fare (Delhi-Colombo-Delhi) is about Rs. 45,000/- and plus the cost of accommodation and meals will be too much for players to bear. About 50 top professionals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia and Sri Lanka will compete for honours. Rohana fails Meanwhile, Anura Rohana, failed to make the "out" at the TNGF Open of the Hero Honda Golf Tour at Chennai, and is presently playing at the Hero Honda Open in Bangalore. He was ninth at the Kashmir Open in July at Srinagar, and was expected to fare well at Chennai and Bangalore. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
