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One of the world’s oldest and most respected inter-club golf tournaments, the 122nd Burdett Trophy, will be played this Saturday, July 26, at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC).
The annual event, which began in 1902, brings together two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic clubs – RCGC (founded in 1879) and Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC, founded in 1889) – in an intense yet friendly competition. Remarkably, this tournament is 25 years older than the Ryder Cup, making it a rare piece of global golfing history.
The tournament will be played in a Ryder Cup-style format, with morning foursomes matches (teams of two taking alternate shots) and singles matches in the afternoon. 6.5 points are needed to win the men’s Burdett Trophy, while the women’s Puffin Cup, first introduced in 1936, will feature a similar format with 4.5 points needed for victory.
This year, Gehan Siribaddana will captain the RCGC men’s team, while Harsha Abewickrama leads NEGC. In the Puffin Cup, Dinuka Boralessa will guide the RCGC ladies’ team, and Usha De Silva will captain the NEGC women’s side.
The day will begin with a ceremonial opening filled with tradition and national pride. The Sri Lankan Flag will be raised by RCGC President Captain Navin De Silva, followed by the club flags and the lighting of the oil lamp – a symbol of unity and fresh beginnings.
Adding more excitement to the day, two side events will also take place:
The Masters Tournament, led by Lal Dias (RCGC) and Riyaz Mihular (NEGC)
The 125th Anniversary Trophy, led by Capt. Navin De Silva (RCGC) and Suresh Subramanium (NEGC)
These will be played in Four-Ball Better-Ball format, where pairs from each team play together and the better score counts. It’s a great test of teamwork and strategy.
RCGC has been dominant in the tournament’s long history, with 70 wins, while NEGC has 33 victories, and seven matches have ended in a draw. The trophy itself was donated by Sir Francis Burdett of the British cavalry regiment known as the “Death or Glory Boys.”
On Friday evening (today), players and guests will gather for the popular Wine & Cheese Night to officially launch the event, announce the teams, and enjoy some pre-match bonding.
The final day will close with a grand awards ceremony, cocktails, and a gala dinner at the historic RCGC Clubhouse.
This weekend is not only about competition – it’s a celebration of honour, tradition, and friendship. With both clubs fielding strong teams and proud histories, fans can expect an unforgettable weekend of top-class golf and deep-rooted legacy.
