It’s not often we get to hear young voices speak with such clarity, humility, and determination, at just 17 years old, Kaya Daluwatte and Reshan Algama are doing exactly that. These two rising stars are not only making their mark on the international golfing stage but also setting new standards for what it means to lead a life guided by passion, discipline, and values. Their quiet confidence and grounded nature are a testament to the kind of success the next generation should aspire to, one built on resilience, grit, and a strong sense of purpose. In an era where achievement often overshadows character, Reshan and Kaya are proof that true greatness is found in both.
Kaya, congratulations on winning the Sri Lanka Amateur Championship last weekend, and for smashing the Royal Colombo Golf Club course record! What do you think made the biggest difference in your performance there? What was going through your mind during the last few holes?
Last week, I was just extremely confident with my game. Breaking the course record had always been in the back of my mind, and I knew it was going to happen one day. During the last few holes, I stayed focused and just trusted my process.
Reshan, congratulations on your recent successes. Let’s start with your maiden international win at the Robert Rock Junior Masters in the UAE earlier this year! This win highlights your rise as a top junior golfer on the international stage. How do you manage to stay so composed under the pressure of defending titles and climbing the ranks?
It was definitely a great feeling knowing that I have what it takes to win on the international stage. That win gave me a big confidence boost, whenever I play a tournament, I know that if I bring my best game, I can’t be beaten. When it comes to pressure, I deal with it by reminding myself that I’ve done everything in my power to prepare for that moment. I haven’t cut corners. I’ve given 100% in training, and that preparation gives me the confidence to step onto the course knowing I’ve ticked all the boxes.
Can you run me through what your training looks like leading up to a major competition? How do you structure your time, and how do you prepare mentally? What plays a more pivotal role on match day – mental strength or physical strength?
Kaya: I usually practice around 5–6 hours a day, six days a week. I try to focus a lot on my short game, especially putting. On the mental side, I work on visualizing, believing in myself, and trusting my game. I also go to the gym three days a week to get stronger and gain more power in my swing. On match day, both mental and physical strength are important, but mental strength plays a more pivotal role when it comes to performing under pressure.
Reshan: We typically train for 5–6 hours on a normal day, but leading up to big tournaments, we stretch it to 7–8 hours to really make the most of our time. A well-structured schedule is key. Further, balancing training, studies, and even social life helps prevent burnout.
On the mental side, I use meditation and visualization techniques to stay calm and focused. It helps me manage stress and stay locked in, especially during long and intense practice days. On match day, I’d say mental strength edges out, staying composed is what allows you to perform when it counts.
You've both participated in a number of international competitions and programs. How have these experiences shaped you as a sportsman? What’s the most valuable skill or lesson you’ve learned so far?
Kaya: Playing in international events has given me a lot of experience and exposure. Competing on different courses has taught me how to adapt quickly to varying conditions. It’s also helped me learn how to handle pressure and perform in different situations. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to stay composed and trust my training, no matter what the situation.
Reshan: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to adapt to different conditions. Back home, we don’t always have access to top-tier courses or facilities, so when I compete internationally, I have to quickly adjust to new course conditions. Over time, I’ve developed different techniques that work in various settings, and I’ve learned to choose the one that best suits the course I’m playing. Adaptability is key, it’s one of the most valuable skills I’ve gained from international experience.
Kaya, qualifying for the prestigious U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship is an incredible achievement, with over 1,500 girls competing in the qualifiers and only 156 making it through. How did it feel to earn your spot among such an elite group? What was it like competing at that level, and what was the biggest lesson or takeaway from the experience?
It was really cool to play in such a prestigious event. The course conditions and competition were by far the best I’ve ever experienced. I was lucky enough to play a round with the eventual winner, which gave me a great opportunity to compare my game to hers and see where I stand on that level. It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but overall, it was an amazing learning experience. My biggest takeaway was realizing that I can compete with the best of the best. I have the game, I just need to keep working hard and believe in myself.
Reshan, how did it feel to be selected for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship Academy, especially knowing it was based on your WAGR ranking?
It was a great feeling, especially knowing that only the top two amateurs in Sri Lanka are chosen. The experience was incredible, meeting and training alongside some of the top-ranked players from around the region really pushed me to see where I stand. We trained at the Emirates Golf Club, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Middle East, and the facilities were world-class. It gave me valuable insight into my game and where I can improve.
Reshan, how did the training at the AAC Academy compare to your regular training back home in terms of intensity and focus? Did the program highlight any particular areas of your game that you now focus more on? How do you plan to apply what you learned in your future tournaments and long-term development?
The training schedule was intense, we’d start at 6 AM and only get back to the hotel around 7 PM. It was definitely tiring, but I enjoyed every minute, which made the time fly by. The coaches there were excellent. They helped me fine-tune my game down to the smallest details, and that really opened my eyes to areas where I can improve. I now have a much clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve already started applying those lessons to my practice back home.
Kaya, as the only world-ranked female golfer from Sri Lanka, how does it feel to carry that title on the global stage?
It’s a big responsibility, but also an amazing privilege to be able to put Sri Lanka on the women’s golfing map. I hope to inspire many more young girls to take up golf and help keep women’s golf alive in Sri Lanka.
Reshan, as one of Sri Lanka’s top-ranked junior golfers and the current No. 2 amateur, how do you handle the expectations and pressure of representing your country on the international stage?
To be honest, I don’t think about my WAGR ranking too much, it’s never been a top priority for me. I’d rather focus on improving myself as a golfer and as a person. By not obsessing over the rankings, I avoid putting unnecessary pressure on myself. I do keep track of it, but I try not to let it affect my mindset. For me, it’s all about focusing on the process, if I do that right, the results will follow.
For both of you: What did you do differently as a student balancing school life and sport that helped you get to where you are today? When did you realize you wanted to take up golf as a professional career?
Kaya: I think having balance in everything is really important. Time management is key, being able to schedule school, golf, workouts, recovery, and even recreation time in a way that prevents burnout. I also try to enjoy the process and have fun while working to become the best version of myself every day. I realized I wanted to pursue golf as a professional career when I was around 11 years old.
Reshan: I realized I wanted to pursue golf professionally when I was about 9. I played my first tournament and came third and I was honestly surprised! That moment made me think, “Maybe if I really try, I could win.” From then on, I started putting in serious time and effort into golf. Balancing school and sport aren’t easy, but thanks to my dad, I’ve had a structured schedule from early on. That’s made it easier to manage everything and get things done without feeling overwhelmed.
As Kaya Daluwatte and Reshan Algama continue to break barriers and raise the bar for junior golf in Sri Lanka, their journeys are proof that success is not just about titles and rankings, it's about character, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In a world that often rushes toward results, these two young athletes remind us of the power of patience, passion, and purpose. Their stories are just beginning, but already they are inspiring a new generation to dream big, work hard, and carry themselves with the humility that true greatness demands.
