Nandasena Perera is a name synonymous with golf in Sri Lanka. For someone who picked an Asian Tour title for his country, Nandasena’s beginnings were really humble. He started out working as a ball picker at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. He was paid 50 cts and another 25 if he picked up a ball from water-logged area. But the skillful golfer gave the game a shot and won several prestigious tournaments in early 1980s, making him a sport icon. His health didn’t permit his further ambitions as Nandasena was diagnosed with arthritis. But around this time, life brought hope again. His young son Mithun Perera was born and fostered desires to be a golfer. Now he plays on the Asian Tour and hopes to win for his father.
For Father’s Day week, we catch up with Mithun about his dad’s inspiring story.
What’s your most vivid memory with your father?
When I was 16 I won the Club Championship which was a 36 hole tournament. I won in the 39th hole during a playoff and I saw tears in his eyes that day. For me this is a truly special moment and amongst my favourite memories of us together.
Golf in SriLanka’s has been synonymous with your dad. He was possibly the country’s first real golfer?
He is among the greatest golfers in Sri Lanka. But didn’t play the tour after 1994. But still people remember what he contributed to golf in a short period of time. His short game is legendary. As yet people praise his golf capabilities.
How have your dad’s humble beginnings instilled discipline in your life?
He is down to earth and that’s what I have seen him be all through his life. He would not talk about others or spend his mind on random things. He has special place for elders and always respects then. He would pursue his mission and goals. He was a determined person.
What achievement of your father makes you most proud?
Even though my father didn’t play golf after 1994 due to a threatening injury, I feel proud that wherever I go they call me ‘his son.’ For them my father’s meaningful contribution to the sport is of importance. People ask me as yet as to how my father’s keeping and how his health is. That fact that people remember what he achieved on the Asian Tour, is tremendous.
As a young golfer, what aspects of his game do you think resonate with you?
I believe we have a similar swing. I think I have accuracy and that’s our common trait. But since I was rather little when I could observe his swing, I can only go by what people say which is that our swings are similar.
What’s that special bond between a father and a son who also have a common passion in golf?
No matter where I go, I am still called Nandasena’s son. Because of big milestones in golf, and what he earned for the nation as a spectacular sportsman – all these contribute in a big way. His experience is one of the biggest assets I may have.
That’s the great part. We are like friends. So it makes me more comfortable. To handle this pressure in golf, and ascertain what to do in this game for next level to jump – are among some of the things that we discuss when together.
What’s the one dream you have to fulfil for your father?
My next target is to win an Asian Tour event. I am waiting for that because every one knows him so I want to hear everyone say ‘like father like son’ – that’s my dream and that’s the only way I can make him proud.
- In this article
- dad son golfing duos
- mithun perera
- nandasena perera
