Gratitude, growth, and the power of community as RESHAN SWINGS TO GLORY

By ALLAAM OUSMAN

At just 17 years old, Reshan Algama stands as Sri Lanka’s highest-ranked amateur golfer on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) — and now, he carries the pride of his country into the Grand Final of the prestigious Nick Faldo Series Asia, after receiving a wildcard. But for Reshan, this achievement is not just about personal glory. It’s about a journey built on humility, shaped by struggle, and powered by the unwavering support of family, mentors, and an entire golfing community.

When asked about the intensity of the final playoff hole at Al Hamra to clinch the Robert Rock UAE Championship for his maiden international triumph, Reshan speaks with a maturity far beyond his years. “I was in tunnel vision,” he recalls. “I wasn’t thinking about the crowd or the pressure. I just trusted my preparation. In moments like that, it’s not about emotion, it’s about execution.”

That calmness was hard-earned. A couple of second place finishes in 2024 - moments that could have broken his confidence - became the very foundation of his mental strength. “Losing was painful,” he admits, “but it taught me to see every tournament as a learning opportunity, not just a chance to win a trophy. They gave me perspective. I began to see these tournaments as massive learning opportunities. It wasn’t about walking away with a trophy every time; it was about showing up stronger each time. And I can honestly say those setbacks became a big part of my progress.”

His lead-up to the Faldo Series Asia Final is both meticulous and humble. Hours are dedicated to short game drills, often watching videos of elite players, and reinforcing fundamentals. “I don’t obsess over winning,” he says. “I focus on the process, and I believe in the people who prepared me.” Chief among them is long-time coach Jehan de Saram, who has mentored Reshan since he was a child. “Jehan uncle is family,” he says. “People say I have a world class swing — and if that’s true, it’s because of him. But more than that, he believed in me when no one else did.” Jehan’s quiet faith during the tough times, when the wins weren’t coming, gave Reshan the strength to persevere.

Another key figure is veteran pro golfer Anura Rohana, whose guidance has transformed Reshan’s approach to scoring and course management. “He showed me that it’s not always about the perfect shot — it’s about the smartest one,” Reshan explains. “That understanding helped me shave strokes and stay calm under pressure.”

Mentally, he’s also had support from Helitha, who has worked with him on breathing techniques, focus routines, and the mental resilience required in elite competition. “Golf is so mental,” Reshan emphasises. “Having someone to guide that side has made all the difference.” To Reshan, playing in the Nick Faldo Series is far more than just another tournament. “Sir Nick built this for future champions,” he says. “Just look at Rory McIlroy — he came through the Faldo Series. To me, that’s inspiring. Playing here is more than a tournament; it’s a stepping stone. It gives you a taste of what it takes to be a professional.” Asked what are the ingredients that fuelled his incredible growth during the past year, Reshan attributes it to setting clear training schedules, working with discipline, and committing to a routine.

“It’s helped me immensely — not just as a golfer, but as a person.” “The international win in Dubai earlier this year was a big confidence boost. It reminded me that I can compete and win outside Sri Lanka too. But last year was not easy — coming back from the US and jumping into back-to-back tournaments was hectic. There were times I was physically and mentally drained. But again, that taught me to trust the process. You can’t rush progress. You have to keep showing up, learning, adapting.

Now, I don’t think too much about outcomes. I focus on giving my best in each situation. If something is out of my control, I let it go. I’m learning to be mentally free on the course,” says the former Colombo International School student. And Reshan is embracing that path fully. With his current schooling aligned with a student-athlete model in the U.S., he has the flexibility to train and compete internationally — a privilege he doesn’t take lightly. Reshan’s biggest strength is his long game. “I average around 330 yards off the tee, which is at a professional standard. Depending on the course and conditions, I’ve even reached up to 400 yards.

That gives me a competitive edge and confidence. But I’ve also learned that it’s not just about how far you hit — it’s about how smartly you play. That’s where my team and training have really helped,” he points out. While Reshan’s talent is undeniable, he insists none of this would have been possible without the ecosystem that nurtured him. “My parents have been everything,” he says emotionally. “My mom (Nirupa) constantly reminds me to stay humble, to help others, and to live with faith. She believes deeply in karma — that the energy you put into the world comes back to you. That shapes how I live and play.” His father Manoj is the behind-the-scenes engine — managing travel, planning, and always pushing him to work harder.

And then there’s his younger brother, Keshav, whose resilience through his own challenges inspires Reshan every single day. “He reminds me what real strength looks like.” But beyond family, Reshan makes a heartfelt tribute to the Royal Colombo Golf Club, where his journey began. “I’m also truly grateful to the Sri Lanka Golf Union and the Royal Colombo Golf Club — they’ve played such a huge role in shaping my journey. RCGC isn’t just a club — it’s a second home,” he says. “I grew up there, swinging a club bigger than I was. The uncles and aunties at the club have supported me in ways I’ll never forget.”

He shares stories of how members gifted him equipment when he needed it most, offered encouragement during difficult rounds, and guided him on how to carry himself as both a golfer and a young man. “They’ve always believed in me. That belief has carried me through the hardest moments and pushed me to give my best, every single time. I want to make them proud.”

As he prepares for the Grand Final in Vietnam, Reshan’s goals go far beyond fairways and greens. He’s not chasing perfection — he’s chasing growth. “I’ve learned that this sport, and life, are about the journey. It’s about staying humble, learning from your mistakes, and never losing sight of who you are.”

In Reshan’s case, who he is — is a young man standing tall not just because of his achievements, but because of the love, mentorship, and community that have lifted him every step of the way.

And if there’s one thing he hopes people remember when they see his name on the leaderboard, it’s this: every swing, every step, every success — has been made possible by the many hands that helped him rise.