The interest towards golf has grown in leaps and bounds in the Past few years. Today, amateur-turned-professionals and caddie-turned-pros are making their mark at the international level. Many youth with potential have emerged into the limelight through the sport. Sri Lankan born Yevin Samararatne has often been dubbed as the budding young golfer who is likely to emulate Tiger Woods. This comparison itself speaks volumes about Yevin’s talent at the game. The 13 year old has emerged winner at many state and national golf championships in Australia.
Yevin’s tryst with golf began at the tender age of four years, when he began watching golf on TV. He also played cricket and used to look forward to batting for his team. He tried his hand at golf when his uncle gifted him with a plastic golf club when he was six years. He had tried it out and soon discovered that he has a natural flair for the sport.
“We were living close to the Logan Golf Range. It was a common sight to see players indulge in practices on the course while we were passing by. One day we dropped in at the course with my plastic golf clubs. A coach came up to me and my family after he had observed my swing and told us that I possess a great swing. This prompted me to pursue golf as a career,” Yevin recalled.
He started training at Logan Golf Range and joined Mount Warren Golf Club and River Lakes Golf Club a year later, training under Jared Lowe and Zoe Nelson. They encouraged the young lad to take part in the 9-hole competitions even though rest of the competitors were two to four years elder to Yevin.
“My first big win was the Pacific Junior Open. It was played at the Pacific Golf Club by starting an even –par score of 72. I felt pretty calm during the round. However it was very exciting especially because I was winning the game,” Yevin enthused
He had taken part in several golf competitions across Australia and had won prizes at various clubs including Pacific Golf Club, Virginia Golf Course, Bargara Golf Club, Mt Warren Golf Club, River Lakes Golf Club, Sandy Gallop Golf Club, Bribie Island Golf Club, Wantima Golf Club and Walston Golf Club, Oxley Golf Club, Corinda Pitch & Putt since 2012. He also clinched the Encouragement Award at Greg Norman Foundation (South East Queensland) Awards Ceremony 2012, Player of the Year Award for 2012 at River Lakes Golf Club and Spirit Of Golf Award for 2012 at Mt Warren Park Golf Club. He was awarded the Player of the Year Award for 2013 at Greg Norman Foundation (South East Queensland) Awards Ceremony as well as the “9 Hole Challenge Gross Winner” Award for 2013. He also bagged the Most Improved 9 Hole Player for 2013 at Mt Warren Park Golf Club.
He started playing play in 18 ‘Hole’ golf courses for his club Mt Warren Golf Club in 2014. He soon proved that he is a natural at the game by winning the first monthly medal at his club. He took part in the South Coast Schools Golf Championships organised by the School Sport Queensland. Yevin became the Under 14 Nett winner at Bargara Golf Club the same year.
Talking about what kindles his passion for the sport Yevin says that he loves to handle the pressure that comes with the tournaments and meeting new people with whom he develops friendships. This and the relaxed and fun side of the sport motivate him to keep on playing.
“A golf player needs to possess sportsmanship, attitude and etiquette if he or she wants to excel in the sport,” Yevin opined.
He considers being placed fifth in the 13 to 19 year Junior Schools Championships held in Toowoomba in July this year as his greatest achievement so far. He was the youngest to take part in the event which included around 70 players.
“My main idol is golf guru Tiger Woods because he possesses all the qualities that are needed for golf. He is a master at handling pressure well. I believe that my ability to handle pressure well and keep cool on the course earned me the comparison to him,” says the youth who resides in Windaroo, Queensland, and studies at Shailer Park State High School.
His father Indika Samararatne is the Purchasing and Warehouse Manager at Euronatural Fine Foods. His mother, Kanushka, is also employed at the same firm. His sister, Tiyara, too plays golf.
The family visits Sri Lanka almost every two years. Yevin practices his golf skills in the local golf courses when time permits during his stays. He also looks forward to visiting places like the zoo. Riding elephants are at the top of the list of his favourite things to do in Sri Lanka.
Yevin’s ambition is to become a professional golfer. He also vies to become an engineer.
“Never give up on your dreams and keep your attitude great,” are Yevin’s words of wisdom to budding young golf players.
He played for the Under 15 National School Golf Championship that was held in Sydney recently.
He has also been qualified to be selected for the Greg Norman Junior Masters at the Palmer Colonial and Palmer Gold Coast Golf Clubs. He was recently named the Queensland School Boys Captain at the National All Schools Championship which will be held at Murray Bridge, South Australia from December 8 to 10.
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