HSBC and Sri Lanka Golf proudly announce the launch of the third edition of the HSBC Future Lions Golf grassroots programme in 2024. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Royal Colombo Golf Club in Colombo. This programme aims to introduce the game of golf to children aged 9-12 years all across Sri Lanka. It provides them with the opportunity to develop their skills and pursue their passion for the sport. So far, it has reached over 1,200 children, and through advanced training, over 50
children have entered national and regional level junior golf competitions. Some have even joined the national junior squad, like Master Adithya Weerasinghe from Anuradhapura, who has competed in both local and international tournaments.
The third edition of the programme will expand its reach and offer more opportunities for children to get involved. Five leading golf clubs, including Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Victoria Golf Club Digana, Eagles Heritage Golf Club Anuradhapura, Catalina Golf Club Koggala, and Royal Colombo Golf Club, will be part of this initiative. The programme will take the form of regional academies, offering coaching clinics with hands-on instruction from experienced golf professionals. It is open to youngsters aged 9-12 years across various locations. The “Girls on Par” programme, introduced last year to increase girls’ participation in the sport, will continue.
Sri Lanka Golf will notify respective schools, especially those around the outstation golf clubs, about the programme dates scheduled between May and July 2024. Boys and girls between the ages of 9-12 years are invited to attend the grassroots programme for a fun day of golf and to learn more about the sport from coaches and instructors.
Niloo Jayatilake, Chairperson of the Junior Golf Development Sub-committee, expressed gratitude for the programme’s success in introducing golf to children and nurturing junior players. The programme aims to extend its reach to boys and girls across five locations, helping them become champion golfers. Jayatilake thanked HSBC, partners, participating clubs, and parents for their support in moving forward with the programme.
Sajeewa Jayakody