Salman Aslam

The premier golf tournament was held under aegis of LGG&CC from 1-3 December 2014 at the pristine, manicured and immaculate golf course. The star studded field attracted top professionals on the countries elitist golfing circuit. The event was spread-eagled over 3 days. The event attracted nearly 80 professionals. Other categories were amateurs, senioramateurs, ladies and senior pros.Another underlying feature was a match for the juniors as part of a talent hunt venture. Additional attractions were a subsidiary match and a senior officer invitational. Main sponsors of the event were Honda which offered a glittering Honda City for an ace.

As anticipated the professional category contest was gruelling, neck to neck and ended in a nail biting fashion. Only 11 players in the field played sub-par rounds. Matloob and Shafiq Masih recorded lowest score of 66 on day 2. Eventually it was Shabbir of Islamabad who stole the limelight by breaking away from the chasing pack with a scintillating display of golf par excellence. Attained the unique distinction of playing all 3 rounds sub-par. Munir, Shafiq and Matloob of Garrison were close at his heels wilted under pressure against cool demeanour of the champion. Aggregate of 205 -11 was the winning totalin a hair splitting photo finish. His team mate from Islamabad Muhammad Munir clinched the runners up slot at -9. Sole 3rd place was bagged by Shafiq Masih at -7. Matloob from Garrison also displayed his dexterity with a solid round of -6. Rest of the field displayed erratic and lackadaisical performances. Champion displayed deft touch a finesse around the greens by saving pars. Hit thundering drives in the fairways. His iron play was awesome hitting maximum greens in regulation. Green reading and Putting was calibrated and meticulous which made the difference.

In the amateurs category competition was even fiercer. Difference between 1st five golfers was just a stroke apiece. This was reflective of the tenacity, resoluteness and focus of players till the last stroke. In gross category Rahman of Rawalpindi clipped Taimoor by a stroke to attain glory. Fakhar Imam chipped in a further stroke behind to clinch 3rd place. In net section 10 handicappers played phenomenal golf and Anish Rahman emerged the winner warranting a drastic reduction in his handicap.

Champions of yester years also displayed their adroitness in senior pros segment. Ilyas carded a gross 72 to win the event. Another segment senior amateur who comprised vintage golfers of the last few decades displayed their prowess, finesse and suppleness in their swings. Mian Tariq was the winner followed by Qayyum Rashid as runners-up.

13 ladies entered the arena for the coveted gross and net categories played over 18 holes. Ghazala Yasmin with an enviable 5 handicap carried the day. She carded a gross 82. Zahida Durrani was the runners up.

The hallmark and main feature was the hole in one by local base commander PAF AVM who drove out in a brand new Honda City. Prize distribution was a well-attended and impressive ceremony graced by the Corps Commander Lieutenant General Naweed Zaman.Event on the whole was well organised and the new management deserve accolade.Apart from a few hiccups owing to minimum daylight hours and congregation of golfers some rounds were not completed. It would have been worthwhile if the tournament could have been spread-eagled over 4 days to cater for all categories by giving them a chance to play 36 holes. Sponsors also warrant recognition for playing a pivotal role in promotion of golf. Lot of changes are in the offing for amelioration of the course. Undulations, water hazards, and bunkers are planned as litmus test for the adept and pro specific.

Another notable feature is opening of a Golf Academy with latest innovative features. Relaying of greens is also in the pipeline. Another positive were the ideal weather conditions which made scoring relatively easy. The typical foggy conditions had yet to descend at Lahore. The unkindest cut of all remains that despite plethora of golf courses being opened golfer vis-vis courses ratio/disparity still remains pronounced. Golf as a game needs to be further bolstered in the country by giving massive incentives to all especially the neglected professionals.