FROM TEE TO TRAILBLAZER

Kaya Daluwatte is a golfing prodigy breaking boundaries and inspiring change with both skill and determination

In the world of golf where tradition meets sportsmanship, 15-year-old prodigy Kaya Daluwatte is breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. Her unique journey mirrors the dynamism of the sport, highlighting the incredible potential of young women in this traditionally male dominated domain.

Hailing from a sports-centric family, golf became her passion, evolving from familial tradition to a genuine calling at the age of seven. Weekends were marked by rounds of golf with her grandfathers, culminating in a delightful reward of French fries and vanilla milkshakes.

“This early exposure laid the foundation for a commitment that would shape not only me as a golfer but also a better individual, instilling valuable life lessons of discipline, perseverance and the importance of showing up,” she reveals.

As she delved deeper into golf, Kaya developed an appreciation for its unique blend of strategy, athleticism and sportsmanship. She explains: “It’s always interesting to learn about factors like the wind, distance and terrain, which demands precision and skill. The outdoor beauty of golf courses became a bonus, creating an immersive experience unlike any other sport.”

Daluwatte recognises that golf requires mental toughness in addition to physical skill. She finds the additional challenge of having to stay focussed, remain calm under pressure and make strategic decisions on the course to be both intriguing and enjoyable.

For inspiration, Kaya looks up to golf luminaries such as Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda. However, her ultimate role model is closer to home – her father, whose unwavering support, both emotionally and financially, has been instrumental in her journey.

Highlighting the challenges inherent in her golfing journey, she candidly addresses the gender disparities within the sport.

“Female golfers face fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts – including fewer tournaments, sponsorships and exposure,” she maintains, shedding light on the difficulties associated with navigating a historically male dominated sport.

Her grit was tested when competing against junior boys in Sri Lanka, where girls are less likely to play golf. This not only sharpened her skills but also underscored the low representation of women in the sport.

Overcoming these obstacles – particularly in obtaining a World Amateur Golf Ranking for international tournaments – requires a positive mindset and resilience. Her approach involves embracing the unique position she holds and using it as a driving force for change.

Yet, it’s not only the triumphs that define Kaya’s journey. The heartbreak of losing a club championship final at the age of 10 taught her resilience and the importance of learning from setbacks.

Similarly, enduring the relentless challenge of playing in the icy rain of Scotland for eight hours, layered up with clothing, underscored the need for conditioning and preparation, adding complexity to the game.

Reflecting on her golfing journey, Daluwatte identifies her first international event as a pivotal moment.

Representing her country at the 2022 British Junior Open Championship in Scotland, she experienced watching her golf idols in action, collecting autographs and interacting with McIlroy’s father. These moments created lasting memories that fuelled her passion for the sport.

Passionate about paving the way for future generations, Kaya envisions a future where more young girls play golf. She advocates for increased recognition of golf as a sport in schools, drawing parallels with other mainstream sports like cricket and tennis.

Financial support for children from rural areas is crucial and she expresses a willingness to contribute to activities that encourage girls to take up golf.

Drawing inspiration from projects like Sri Lanka Junior Golf’s Girls on Par, which focusses on promoting golf programmes among girls in schools and communities, Kaya emphasises the need for widespread support.

She believes that “encouraging interschool tournaments, and providing access to quality coaching and equipment, can be instrumental in fostering a new generation of female golfers in Sri Lanka.”

Kaya Daluwatte inspires by challenging norms and championing female representation in golf. Her journey, fuelled by passion and commitment, transcends the greens, portraying her as both a skilled athlete and a trailblazer.

– Compiled by Dona Senara

About KAYA

DATE OF BIRTH
27 September 2008

EDUCATION
Inventure Academy (2022 to present)
Ladies’ College (2012-22)

HOBBIES
Surfing in Hiriketiya
Wakeboarding in Bentota
Karting with friends
Tennis
Badminton
Wildlife photography
Cooking

HIDDEN TALENT
Solves the Rubik’s Cube in under a minute

BUCKET LIST ITEM
Skydiving

FAVOURITE ENTERTAINMENT
Fast & Furious and Mission Impossible series

DREAM DESTINATIONS
Masai Mara, Kenya – for the wildlife
Iceland – for the northern lights
Italy – for pizza and gelato

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

60+ local and international tournament participations and rankings (2019-2023)
World Amateur Golf Ranking certification from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (The R&A) – Scotland (2022)
Youngest member of the Sri Lanka golf women’s national squad
Represented Sri Lanka golf in Scotland, the Philippines and Thailand
Three time winner of the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) Ladies Club Championship (2021-23)
Three time winner of the Sri Lanka Junior Open Golf Championship (2021-23)
Two time winner of the Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship (2022-23)
Ranked 11th in the 2023 Indian Golf Union merit list for women and girls’ 14-19 age group

FUTURE GOALS
To become Sri Lanka’s first female golfer in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and secure an Olympic gold medal