Gross event winner to take main CNS golf trophy

ISLAMABAD: Sanity prevails as finally it was decided that the main trophy of the 17th Chief of Navy Staff (CNS) Golf will be awarded to the best amateur golfer instead of doling it out to the one enjoying the handicap advantage.

The 17th edition of the CNS Golf tees off at the Margalla Greens from October 31. Traditionally such events throughout the country (barring a few) offer undue advantage to an amateur having a better handicap, no matter how raw player he is.

The CNS Open also followed the same traditions previously but now it has been decided that the best golfer, meaning the gross category winner would be declared worthy recipient of the prestigious trophy.

“From this year onward the main trophy will be awarded to the gross event winners. We have decided to break away with the previous practice.

That means that the best golfer will be declared the winner of the four-day contest,” Cdr Majid Satti, administrator of the club said while talking to the media.

Patron of Pakistan Navy Golf (North), Commodore Saqib Ilyas, highlighted key aspects of the event during media talk, revealing that the country’s best golfers will be seen in action over the next four days.

The prestigious event, which will see the best amateurs in action, is an annual feature of both Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) and Pakistan Navy Sports calendar. The championship was launched in 2007 and since then we have hosted this championship every year except 2020 when it could not be held due to the COVID pandemic.”

Saqib rated the event as a platform for fostering healthy competition.

“It provides a unique opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s positive image to the world, while also promoting healthy activity within society.

More than 300 golfers are expected to turn up from across the country to compete in the event, making it one of the eagerly awaited events.”

On the question of professional golfers’ participation to make the event more attractive, Satti said that the club is capable of hosting the professional events now.

“Since we organise separate events for professionals also, the CNS organized here is solely meant for the amateurs.”

The 17th CNS Golf will be played in four categories including men’s, ladies, seniors and juniors. There is a car up for grabs for the golfer sinking in Hole in One.

“We also take the opportunity to praise sponsors for their contributions to make the event a big success,” Satti said.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf will be chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the championship to be held on November 3.