COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka is set to revolutionize its golf scene with the introduction of advanced training technology through the newly opened Condor Golf Academy and Fitting Centre. This initiative, aimed at developing the sport and boosting sports tourism, will be launched on Sunday by Sports and Tourism Minister Harin Fernando at 11 AM at Castle Street, Borella.
The academy boasts high-tech equipment such as TrackMan, GCQuad, and Flight Scope, with significant contributions from Founder/Chairman Jason Liyanage, Co-founders Nick Perera, and Priyantha Athukorale.
The academy will feature TrackMan, a cutting-edge technology that uses radar to analyze a golfer’s swing and ball flight. “TrackMan is like a super-smart machine that helps golfers understand how they hit the ball,” explained Mithun Perera, a leading professional golfer in Sri Lanka. “It tells you things like how far the ball goes, how fast it’s spinning, and even the angle it flies. It’s like having a detailed coach for your swing and shots.”
Managing Director Perera emphasized the importance of such technology for improving performance. “This machine shows the exact distance of the ball, its carry, and the total distance after bouncing. Players can see which part of the club hits the ball, helping them to improve their game significantly.”
US-based Jason Liyanage, the visionary behind bringing this technology to Sri Lanka, has been instrumental in making it accessible to underprivileged players. Liyanage, who a deep connection to Sri Lanka and wants to give back to the sport.
Other professional golfers involved in this initiative include Sales and Marketing Director
Chanaka Perera and Director Operations and Custom Fitting Specialist Vinod Kumar. “Our goal is to develop golf in Sri Lanka,” said Mithun Perera.
The introduction of TrackMan technology is expected to transform the golf landscape in Sri Lanka, much like how cricket changed after the 1996 World Cup victory. “This technology will bring a total change in the future of Sri Lankan golf,” Perera added.
“In Korea, 15-20 years ago, they focused on training coaches. We’re still using golf technology from the 1900s here in Sri Lanka. That’s why we want to create a hub for golf in our country. We’re bringing coaches together to make this happen.”
Sri Lanka has many talented junior golfers, and the academy aims to provide them with the necessary training and experience. “Junior players often go abroad for experience, but with this technology, we can train them here and aim for victories overseas,” Perera noted.
The project has received support from prominent figures in the Sri Lankan golf community, including Ranil Pieris, President of Sri Lanka Golf, and Amrith de Soysa, Captain of the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Victoria Golf Club Digana, Shangri-La Golf Club, Navy Golf Club, and Air Force Golf Club in Trincomalee. The Condor Golf Academy will also offer free services to underprivileged children, helping to make golf more accessible.
Our goal is to support underprivileged children and schools by providing professional golf facilities to them. We aim to develop the game and make it accessible to all.”
Golf is seen as a part of sports tourism, and our goal is to provide comprehensive training to young Sri Lankan players. We aim to expand this program by establishing a proper driving range and practice facilities on the greens.”
The Condor Golf Academy represents a significant step towards democratizing golf in Sri Lanka and nurturing future champions. As Mithun Perera concluded, “If we guide the children, golf can be a good career path for them. The country will benefit”
