In collaboration with the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) and DFCC Bank, the Faldo Series was held in January 2026, welcoming young golfers from several countries across Asia and the UAE. The three-day tournament showcased exceptional junior talent, with players competing at a high standard and demonstrating strong potential for higher amateur rankings and future professional tours. Sir Nick Faldo, one of the most respected figures in world golf, is globally recognised for his outstanding playing career and his continued commitment to developing young talent through the Faldo Series. The tournament provides a valuable pathway for local golfers to gain international exposure and compete on a global stage.
Hosting the Faldo Junior Series in Sri Lanka for the second consecutive year was a significant milestone, giving junior golfers the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best players in the region while experiencing the atmosphere and professionalism of an international event. The tournament was further strengthened through the support of N-Able as the official technology partner, whose live scoring system ensured smooth operations and upheld international tournament standards, enhancing the overall experience for players, officials, and spectators.
There were notable outstanding performances from Sri Lanka’s emerging golfing talent. Kaya Daluwatte delivered an exceptional showing to secure the Overall Championship in addition to winning the Girls’ 17–21 category, finishing the three-round event at eight under par to claim top honours both in her division and across the field. Her consistent scoring and composure throughout the tournament reflected a high level of competitive maturity.
Reshan Algama also produced a highly commendable performance, capturing the Boys’ 17– 21 title and finishing as overall runner-up, narrowly missing the overall championship on a countback. He concluded the tournament with a total score of 205 (eight under par), highlighted by a superb eight-under-par 63 in the second round, setting a course record by a junior golfer at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. His performance demonstrated technical excellence, consistency, and strong competitive temperament.
Niloo Jayathilaka – Committee Member, Royal Colombo Golf Club
Q How do international events such as the Faldo Series help young Sri Lankan golfers gain experience?
The Faldo Series was created to bring high-level international competition into local environments, and this significantly raises the standard of golf. At this year’s event, we had seventeen foreign participants competing alongside Sri Lanka’s top junior golfers. This exposure allows our players to witness global talent first-hand, learn from different playing styles, and understand the standards required at international level. Competing one-on-one against strong overseas players builds confidence and experience. I am particularly proud that a Sri Lankan golfer emerged victorious today, which reflects the effectiveness of providing such platforms.
Q Does the tournament also help position Sri Lanka as an international golfing destination?
Absolutely. The Faldo Junior Series is the first truly international junior golf event to be hosted in Sri Lanka, and having it staged at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, the oldest golf club in the country is especially meaningful. Our history combined with international competition creates a strong message. Hosting events of this calibre exposes our juniors to global benchmarks and simultaneously showcases Sri Lanka’s capability to host world-class tournaments.
Q What are RCGC’s plans for junior development in the coming year?
We are focusing on tailored junior development programmes that go beyond technical skills. While golf ability remains central, we are increasingly incorporating fitness, conditioning, and overall wellbeing. Junior golf today is about developing the complete athlete — mind, body, and spirit. Our upcoming programs will address technical coaching, physical conditioning, mental strength, and lifestyle education to ensure juniors are holistically prepared to progress.
Q There have been new golf leagues introduced with team formats. What is your view on this evolution?
The introduction of the Ceylon Golf League was a wonderful development. It provided opportunities for top juniors from Colombo and outstation areas to be placed within team environments and compete at high level. Team formats teach strategy, collaboration, and pressure management in ways individual competition cannot. I am delighted that Royal Colombo Golf Club has been at the forefront of supporting such initiatives and look forward to more innovative formats that benefit junior golfers across the country.
Q As Vice-Captain of RCGC, what is your vision for the future of junior golf in Sri Lanka?
Over the past five to six years, we have been able to establish several strong junior tournaments, and it is encouraging to see a steady increase in the number of juniors taking up the game, not only in Colombo but across the island. Golf is not an easy sport, it requires patience, discipline, and long-term commitment. With the support of partners such as DFCC Bank, it is wonderful to see so many young players engaging with the game. Although golf is a relatively new sport for me personally, I have truly enjoyed being involved, and if I can contribute in any way to its growth, I would be very happy to do so.
Andy Andrews: Director of Golf, Royal Colombo Golf Club
Q How has the Faldo Series unfolded over the past three days?
It has been extremely impressive. The biggest takeaway for me is how much junior golf has advanced. Having been a junior golfer myself, I can confidently say the level today is significantly higher. Watching these young players execute shots with such quality, focus, and discipline is remarkable. Even the younger participants demonstrate exceptional concentration. It shows just how far junior golf and golf in general has progressed.
Q What value does hosting an international tournament like this bring to Sri Lanka’s juniors?
Previously, if Sri Lankan juniors wanted to compete against the best in the region, they had to travel abroad. Now, with events like the Faldo Series, the best players from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and beyond are coming to Sri Lanka. This allows our juniors to test themselves at home against strong international fields. Competing against top talent helps players understand the standard required and identify areas for improvement, which is essential for long-term development.
Q What are your future development priorities at RCGC?
From my background in fitness, I strongly believe junior development must include a major physical conditioning component. Technically, our juniors are highly skilled, we had two Sri Lankans effectively clear the field this week, so the talent is there. The next step is increasing depth across the country and strengthening physical preparation, emotional regulation, and sports psychology. Modern golf demands a combination of skill, fitness, and mental strength, and our programs must reflect this reality.
Thimal Perera – Chief Executive Officer, DFCC Bank
DFCC Bank, as the title sponsor of the Faldo Series Sri Lanka 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young sporting talent and promoting holistic development in the country. “We are proud to bring the Faldo Series to Sri Lanka for the second consecutive year, in partnership with the Royal Colombo Golf Club,” said Thimal Perera, CEO of DFCC Bank. “We believe that exposing our young golfers to international competition provides invaluable experience, instils discipline, and helps them understand the standards required to succeed on the global stage.”
The Bank’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship. DFCC’s philosophy emphasizes well-rounded development, reflecting their seven pillars of sustainability, one of which is exercise and wellness. Perera added, “Junior golf is not only about refining technical skills; it teaches resilience, focus, and emotional regulation. These qualities mirror our values at DFCC of nurturing talent, building sustainable futures, and equipping individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.”
By supporting the Faldo Series, DFCC Bank provides local talent with structured opportunities to compete against some of Asia’s best young golfers, gaining exposure to international tournament conditions and earning points for global rankings. This aligns with the Bank’s broader mission of integrating Sri Lanka into global sporting platforms while fostering leadership, discipline, and excellence among youth.
In addition, DFCC encourages wellness and active lifestyles within its own workforce, promoting health and balance in the often-high-pressure environment of the banking sector. Through initiatives like this, the Bank showcases its belief that strong minds and bodies are the foundation for sustained performance, whether on the fairway, in the office, or in life.
N-able: Official Technology Partner
N-able proudly served as the Official Technology Partner for the Faldo Series Sri Lanka 2026, providing live scoring services throughout the tournament. The real-time scoring system allowed players, families, officials, and spectators to follow the competition closely, significantly enhancing transparency, engagement, and operational efficiency.
The partnership was further highlighted by an outstanding performance from N-able sponsored golfer Reshan Algama, who produced a remarkable second-round score of 8-under-par 63, one of the finest rounds recorded by a junior at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. His performance underscored both his exceptional talent and the value of long-term support for emerging athletes.
Commenting on the partnership, ShiranthaHerath, CEO of N-able, stated:
“At N-able, we believe strongly in platforms that promote discipline, excellence, and continuous improvement. Powering live scoring at the Faldo Series Sri Lanka 2026 allowed us to meaningfully integrate technology into the tournament while supporting the growth of competitive junior golf. We are also extremely proud of Reshan’s achievement.”
