Pushpika impresses at UAE Cup despite caddie and heat challenges

Sri Lanka’s second-ranked amateur golfer, Chalitha Pushpika of Sri Lanka Navy, and Kumara Dhanushan of Royal Colombo Golf Club concluded the UAE Cup with respectable placements, finishing 23rd and 45th, respectively. The Emirates Golf Federation organized the tournament at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting, and Golf Club, featuring around 90 golfers from nearly 35 countries.

Pushpika, despite challenging conditions, carded rounds of 76, 75, and 73, totaling 224 on the 70-par course. He finished in 23rd place in the men’s elite category. “We didn’t have any caddies or support for caddying in the extreme UAE heat, which reached over 45 degrees with no shade. Considering these conditions, my performance was not bad,” Pushpika said.

Dhanushan recorded scores of 79, 80, and 77, ending with a total of 236 and finishing 45th on the leaderboard. Both players faced considerable physical challenges due to the intense heat and the lack of support on the course. In the men’s elite division, Carruthers from Australia clinched first place with scores of 66, 69, and 67, finishing with a total of 202. Thailand’s Sarasmut and Switzerland’s Aeschlimann tied for second place with a total of 206.

In the ladies’ elite category, Thailand’s Prachnakorn took the top spot with scores of 68, 70, and 68, finishing at 206.