Sri Lanka Golf Union ready to introduce golf to schools

The Sri Lanka Golf Union, the governing body of golf in Sri Lanka, launched the inaugural ‘Train the Trainer’ program, under the tutelage of a Class A Professional (PGTCA). The Junior Golf Development Plan of introducing golf to schools island-wide, will need a substantial pool of trainers and golfing facilities to reach as many areas as possible. 

The first batch of trainers underwent a residential ‘Train the Trainer’ coaching camp at the Aqua Range Welisara, a fantastic golf facility managed by the Sri Lanka Navy. Subsequently, the trainees sat for a written test, oral test and also a ‘mock-teaching stint’ too, which was at the Aqua Range, when Sea Scouts were on a day-out at the Sri Lanka Navy for a Sea Scout event.

The trainees were also subjected to a ’playability’ test, at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, to two rounds of golf. After the overall assessment of written, oral, professionalism and playing ability, Pria Hemantha of the Victoria Golf & Country Resort scored the highest overall points to achieve the Level 2 Coaching License from the Sri Lanka Golf Union. B.G. Lalith Kumara (RCGC), R. Logaraja also from VGCR and D.M. Pradeep Bandara from the Sri Lanka Navy received the License.

A simple but refined ceremony to award the certificates was held at the Ridgeways, Royal Colombo Golf Club, in the presence of Sri Lanka Golf Office Bearers, SLGU President Priath Fernando, Honorary Secretary Ken de Alwis, Treasurer Dilhan Abhayaratne, Vice President Johnny De Saram, who gave away the Certificates and the Junior Golf Development Sub Committee members Chandana Weerasinghe and Dirk Flamer Caldera. 

Kasi Adhikaramge, Director Business Development and Operations, representing Garmin also addressed the gathering. Garmin have pledged to provide golf technological equipment with regard to swing analysis, a tool which will be provided to the trainers to use during their coaching sessions to students.

Anil Perera, a (PGTCA) qualified Class A Coach from Canada, conducted the program and said that the commitment and ability displayed by the trainers who received the Level 2 Coaching License from SLGU, is nothing less than the American professionals. Perera said that he was confident that the Sri Lankan trainers had tremendous potential as players too in addition to their capability as trainers.

Lalith Kumara delivered a comprehensive vote of thanks on behalf of the trainees who became trainers.