Golf, traditionally viewed as an elite sport in Pakistan, is now experiencing a surge in popularity across all social strata.

Once restricted to the wealthy and influential, the sport is gaining traction among fitness enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. The emergence of caddies as top-tier golfers and the expansion of golf courses in cities as well as rural areas illustrate the game’s evolution in the country.

Over the past few decades, golf has become more than just a leisurely pursuit for the rich - it has evolved into a fitness activity, attracting a diverse range of participants.

Many professionals, including former cricketers, are turning to golf as a means of maintaining physical fitness. Test cricketers like Shafqat Rana, Salim Malik and Agha Zahid have been spotted at Lahore Gymkhana while legendary Australian players Steve and Mark Waugh played golf during their Pakistan tours to stay in shape. Of course former Test cricketer Naushad Ali and former cricket commentator Brig Parvez Asghar Mian were seen as regular visitors to Rawalpindi-Islamabad golf courses to keep themselves fit.

Historical perspective and evolution:

Pakistan’s golfing journey began at the time of its independence in 1947, with courses such as the Pakistan Western Railways Golf Club, Lahore Gymkhana, and Pindi Club golf course.

The Pakistan Golf Union (PGU), formed in 1960, played a pivotal role in promoting the game, organising national tournaments and representing the country in international competitions like the Eisenhower Trophy in 1962.

Ibrahim Musa, Aameen Taqi Butt, Ghazala Ansari, and Yasmin Mubarik emerged in the 1960s and 70s, with Ansari’s six-time national championship win remaining unmatched to this day.

The PGU was renamed the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) in 1982, under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Faiz Ali Chishti, and it continued to foster growth by hosting international tournaments such as the Pakistan Masters Golf, part of the Asian Tour in the mid-1990s.

Taimur Hassan’s record-breaking win at the National Amateur Golf Championship at the age of 18 and his later success in the Myanmar Open in 1998, as part of the Asian PGA Tour, cemented his legacy as one of Pakistan’s finest golfers.

The sport has expanded beyond its traditional strongholds, with new golf courses being established across Pakistan. Notable clubs in Lahore include the Lahore Gymkhana Club, Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, Lahore Garrison Golf and Country Club, PAF Skyview, Defence Raya, Services and Bahria Golfing facility.

Karachi boasts premier courses like the Karachi Golf Club and Defence Authority Country and Golf Club, while Islamabad and Rawalpindi feature prominent venues such as the Rawalpindi Club Golf Course and Islamabad Club Golf Course. Multan’s Rumanza Golf and Country Club Course has also emerged as a leading facility in the country.

Arif Ali Khan Abbasi, former cricket and hockey administrator, played a key role in the development of both the Arabian Sea Golf and Country Club in Karachi and the Lahore Country and Golf Club in Muridke. His contributions helped modernise the sport’s infrastructure in Pakistan.

Women’s golf and
international competitions:

The growth of women’s golf in Pakistan has been phenomenal, particularly under the patronage of Gen. Mian Hilal Hussain, former President of the PGF.

Women moved from subsidiary to amateur categories in 2016, with players like Parkha Ijaz and Humna Amjad excelling on the international stage. The First PGF Ladies International Amateur Golf Championship in 2020, hosted at Defence Raya Golf Club in Lahore, marked a historic achievement, with participants from seven countries. It was held under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Asma Afzal Shami, former Chairperson ladies golf, PGF.

Caddies turned champions: Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Pakistan’s golfing scene is the rise of caddies into the national spotlight. Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal, with over 200 wins, and Muhammad Sajid are shining examples of individuals who, through sheer determination and hard work, transitioned from caddies to professional golfers. Their success stories are a testament to the growing accessibility and inclusiveness of golf in the country.

The Pakistan Golf Federation, currently led by Lt. Gen. Qazi Muhammad Ikram Ahmed, is promoting the game at the college and university levels and encouraging corporate sponsorships.

Further development and promotion at grassroots levels, including efforts to establish departmental golf teams, are essential to producing stars like Taimur Hassan and Shabbir Iqbal and of course rising star Ahmad Baig.

The PGF has also launched initiatives like the Faldo Golf Pakistan Series and golfing school programmes to nurture young talent.

The road ahead:

Golf’s future in Pakistan is bright, with both men and women achieving notable successes in international competitions. The sport is not only gaining ground as a competitive activity but is also being embraced for its health benefits. The continued development of golf clubs, tournaments for caddies, and programs for youth indicate that Pakistan is on the path to becoming a significant player in the world of golf.