Victoria Golf and Country Resort hosts 21st Donald Steele Championship

• Sixteen-year-old Haroon Aslam emerges winner

The 21st annual Donald Steele Championship took place at the Victoria Golf and Country Resort once again this year

One of the most anticipated events on Sri Lanka’s golfing calendar, the Donald Steele tournament, took place on the picturesque golf course of the Victoria Golf and Country Resort, pitting over 60 local and international amateur golfers against each other.

The annual championship was hosted by the Victoria Golf and Country Resort, as it has since the club’s opening 21 years ago, kick-starting yet another exciting year of golfing. 

Sixteen-year-old Haroon Aslam was crowned the 2020 champion with a formidable gross score of 34 while Yuki Asakawa emerged 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, who recorded a gross score of 26 while Ahalya Rajan clinched the runner-up position with 25 gross points.

Desiree Penn emerged the winner in 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 for the gents going to Alan Bond. The prize for the Longest Drive was won by Jelenka Jelniker from the ladies’ competition and Kasup Silver from the gents.

JKH Property Sector Chief Operating Officer Inoke Perera, winner Haroon Aslam and Troon International President Mark Chapleski

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 the re-laying of a new grass variety, Zoysio Zorro, on the fairways, the installation of a fully-automated irrigation system, the renovation of cart paths, refurbishment of the clubhouse 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 its management company Troon International, a global leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing. Troon is head quartered in Scottsdale, Arizona in the US and its international arm Troon International Operates from the UAE. The company started with one facility in 1990 and has since grown to become the world’s largest professional club management company. Troon provides services to more than 440 locations and over 510 golf courses, while also managing various amenities such as tennis, aquatics, fitness, food and 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’s 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 its serene environment.