Over 80 golfers will be seen in action at the inaugural ‘Lexmark’ Golf Championship organised by the Victoria Golf and Country Resort and sponsored by East West Information Systems (EWIS) which will be worked off at the picturesque Victoria golf course today commencing 7.00 a.m.

A visit to the Victoria golf course indicated it is in fine fettle for this great event which has drawn a tremendous response from golfers from all parts of the country.

Golfing at Victoria is a great experience with three of the 18 holes being ever 500 yards long while the fifth hole is in a unique setting - above 100 feet from the fairway and is recognised as the toughest par 4 in Sri Lanka as it demands a drive combining distance and accuracy to come to terms with it.

Some of the top men’s golfers who have entered this championship are low handicappers Sujeewa Lankatillake and Ian Tait, who will once again be engaged in a battle for supremacy, both being residents at the Victoria complex. Noel Joseph and Fazly Azhar Ahamed have excelled at Victoria earlier this year in similar tournaments. Others who should have a go are Tony Witham, Errol Johnston, Sam Gunaratne, Ravi Mediwake, Sunil Jayakoddy, Sirath Kasthuriratne, Carl Kelaart just to name a few, but there could be a surprise winner from the high handicappers in this stableford competition where the handicap plays a vital role.

Among the ladies, it is going to be a relentless battle between Sonia Boyle, Jyoti Haynes, Manori Jayakoddy, Indira Tibblins, Pauline Morley, Jeanne Moore, Lillian Perera and many others. That versatile golfer, Suwen Salvaratnam is currently abroad and may give this championship a miss and her absence will be felt.

Chairman of EWIS, Sanjeewa Wickremanayake will be the chief guest at the awards ceremony which will be held at the club house at 8.00 p.m.

This will be followed by a dinner dance sponsored by Victoria Golf and Country Resort.