COLOMBO, January 16 (ePRESS) — In a sport where patience is often the greatest test, young Abhiman Abeywardene is quietly learning to play the long game. The 10-year-old from Anuradhapura stepped into the national spotlight by winning the Faldo Futures title at the Faldo Junior Tour Round I of the DFCC Faldo Series Sri Lanka 2026, played at the Royal Colombo Golf Club last week.
Still balancing schoolbooks with scorecards, Abhiman is a student of Lyceum International School Anuradhapura. On the fairways, however, he carried himself like an old head on young shoulders. Competing in the Boys’ Age Group 9–10 (nine holes), the right-hander showed calm hands and a clear mind, proving that good habits learned early can travel a long way.
Behind that steady rise stands a strong pillar at home. Abhiman’s father, Thanuka Abeywardene, has been the tower of strength behind his daily practices, travel and routine, guiding him quietly while allowing the young golfer to grow at his own pace. For the father, the secret to his son’s success is simple and clear.
“Abhiman is a very consistent player,” Thanuka said. “He tries to keep the same level in every round he plays. That consistency is his biggest strength and the main reason for his success.”
Abhiman represents the Golf Club Anuradhapura, a club that is steadily making its mark on the junior golf scene. Under the guidance of its president, M M P D Mannapperuma, the club has focused on structure, routine and long-term development, giving young golfers outside Colombo the belief that they can compete with the country’s best.
On the course, Abhiman did not chase glory or gamble on risky shots. He trusted his rhythm, played percentage golf and let consistency do the talking. He opened with a two-over-par 38 on Day One, keeping mistakes to a minimum. Day Two tested his patience, but he stayed the course to return a four-over-par 40. When it mattered most on the final day, he saved his best for last, carding a one-over-par 37 with a timely birdie and a string of solid pars.
That measured approach paid off handsomely. Abhiman finished with a three-round total of 115, seven over par, sealing a comfortable 10-stroke victory. Runner-up Jayith Minhas Guruge of Ananda College, Colombo, ended on 125 after rounds of 40, 46 and 39. The clear gap on the leaderboard showed that slow and steady truly won the race.
The rise of Golf Club Anuradhapura was further underlined by another club member finishing third overall, highlighting the growing strength of regional golf and the widening talent base beyond Colombo.
More than the trophy itself, Abhiman’s success tells a human story — of early mornings, patient practice, firm guidance at home and steady backing from his club. With his father’s belief, his school discipline and a clear pathway provided by Golf Club Anuradhapura, the young golfer has taken his first confident steps down a long fairway. If he continues to keep his head down and his game simple, Sri Lankan golf may well be watching a future champion grow, one consistent round at a time.
