Serving Air Force commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa will once again be landing on the Eagles Golf Course at Trincomalee where he will tee off against a host of hopeful rivals at the Eagle’s Monsoon Cup championship that takes place this week.
Air Marshal Rajapaksa with one of his trophies
Unlike his predecessors, Air Marshal Rajapaksa has made a name for himself on the golf course, proving that dedication and passion can lead to success in unexpected places according to his close aides in the flying force.
A product of Ananda College, his golfing career commenced some years ago and the sport is now firmly rooted in him and the two cannot be separated just like his rank goes with his uniform. He has become well known in Sri Lanka’s golfing fraternity and his exploits hit a new high in 2021 when he pocketed the men’s title at the prestigious Eagles Challenge Trophy.
The victory was not just a testament to his golfing skills but also a reflection of the determination and discipline he brings to the fairways as he has gained a reputation of a player that fits into both segments of individual exponent and team man.
As a key member of the Sri Lanka Air Force golf team, Air Marshal Rajapaksa played a crucial role in their title victory at the Defence Services Golf tournament in 2021 as he showcased not only his individual prowess but also his ability to contribute to his team’s success.
It can be said that given the high standard and professionalism that he maintains on the golf course, Air Marshal Rajapaksa had to be content with the first runner-up position in the over-45 age group at the Open Defense Services championship this year.
But the same year also brought him more laurels as he was a member of the Eagles Golf Club team that won the Quadrangular Golf Cup.
He donned the Sri Lanka cap representing the country at the IDEAS Golf Tournament in Pakistan this year where he finished in the third position making him a unique Service commander to excel in both military and sports activities.
His team-mates see him as the perfect role model to emulate having proved himself as a sportsman who never takes anything for granted but earns every bit of his success the hard and committed way that separates him from many competitors on and off the field in both spirit and physical approach while setting the example up-front.
