BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
The Nations Trust Bank (NTB) has officially unveiled the Nations Trust Golf Championship 2026, set to take place on May 22–23 at the prestigious Royal Colombo Golf Club Championship 2026, marking one of the most anticipated events on Sri Lanka’s amateur golfing calendar.
The tournament, hosted at the iconic Royal Colombo Golf Club, represents a significant milestone in NTB’s long-standing partnership with the venue and is expected to attract a record-breaking field of more than 345 participants. Competitors will include Private Banking clients, American Express Cardmembers, as well as Corporate and Commercial banking partners, reinforcing the event’s reputation as both a sporting and networking showcase.
Historic Format Change Introduced
In a bold innovation aimed at enhancing participation and operational flow, the 2026 edition will introduce a three-shotgun start format for the first time in the tournament’s history. This adjustment has been designed to accommodate the expanded field while maintaining competitive integrity and improving the overall experience for players.
Organisers have described the new structure as a major evolution in the championship’s format, reflecting its growing scale and prestige within Sri Lanka’s golfing community.
Luxury Prizes and High-Stakes Competition
True to its reputation as a premium sporting event, the championship will feature a series of high-value rewards that elevate the competitive stakes well beyond traditional amateur golf tournaments.
A standout attraction is the Ultimate Accuracy Prize, where a hole-in-one on the designated hole will award the winner a Hublot Big Bang Unico Titanium 42mm timepiece, valued at approximately LKR 8 million.
The Overall Champion will also receive an exclusive all-expenses-paid golfing experience in the Maldives, including luxury accommodation at a premier golf resort.
In addition, category honours will be contested across Men’s, Ladies’, Masters, and Seniors divisions. Special awards will also be presented for Longest Drive at the 8th hole and Closest to the Pin at the 13th, ensuring competitive opportunities across multiple skill levels.
Leadership Emphasises Community and Engagement
Speaking at the official launch, Sanjaya Senarath, Chief Marketing Officer of NTB, highlighted the broader significance of the event beyond competition.
“The Nations Trust Golf Championship provides an opportunity to connect with our customers in a more relaxed and engaging setting. It allows us to create enjoyable experiences while bringing together golf enthusiasts who share a passion for the sport,” he said.
Adding to this sentiment, Mahela Jayawardene, Captain of the Royal Colombo Golf Club, emphasised the importance of the partnership in strengthening sporting culture and community engagement.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Nations Trust Bank, celebrating both the sport and the community it builds,” he noted.
Long-Term Commitment to Sri Lankan Golf
The championship forms part of a strategic, multi-year collaboration between NTB and RCGC, officially committed through to 2028. This long-term partnership reflects the bank’s sustained investment in promoting golf and enhancing premium lifestyle experiences for its clientele.
With its expanded format, elite participation, and luxury-driven rewards structure, the Nations Trust Golf Championship 2026 is poised to reinforce its status as one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished corporate sporting events.