National Golf returns to Peshawar after 23 years

ISLAMABAD: National Amateur Golf returns to Peshawar after 25 years as PAF Course set to stage the high profile 57th edition over the next four days (March 29 to April 1).

Dr Ali Haider, Tournament Director and Joint Secretary Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), confirmed to The News the Nationals comes back to Peshawar following more than two decades. “On the instructions of President PGF, Lt Gen Mian Mohammad Hilal Hussain the event is being organised in Peshawar which is a clear indication that law and order in the city has improved by leaps and bounds.

Surely the successful hosting of the event would go a long way in brining national and international events back to Peshawar.”

The Tournament Director praised AVM Sarfraz Khan (president PAF Golf Club Peshawar) for extending all possible help to hold the event in a befitting manner.Over 120 leading national amateurs, senior amateurs and ladies are to compete for titles in three different categories.

“We have received over 70 entries in amateurs, another 30 for seniors and 15 in ladies for separate trophies.”The main trophy would be contested by leading amateurs over 72 holes (four days) in gross category. Ladies and seniors event will be held on last three days.

Top amateur golfers Taimoor Khan, Abdul Rehman (Peshawar), Ahmad Baig (Lahore-the recent winner of Qatar Open), defending champion Ashiq Hussain (Multan) and seasoned Ghazanfar Mehmood (Rawalpindi) are the front runners to grab the coveted trophy.

All amateur golfers having handicap seven and below are eligible to compete in the event. There are also trophies and prizes for net winners.Besides the main competition, the PGF has also decided to hold Inter-association competition with the winners to be given trophy.“The PAF course in Peshawar is in best of condition with greens being well looked after,” Dr Ali Haider said.