Salman Aslam

J Zaman family sponsored golf tournament kicked off at the pristine, manicured and closely mowed sand splattered greens of Lahore Gymkhana from 8-11 March 2018.

Weather pundits’ predictions figured a highly favourable golfing environment. Golfing arrangements were immaculate and meticulously monitored. Sponsored by the family of late avid golfer lot of prizes were up for grabs.

Another underlying feature has been allocation of an additional day to cater for subsidiary, seniors, veterans and boys categories segments. This certainly augers well. Professionals and amateurs can give an exhibition of their dexterity unfazed by organisational fauxpas. Lahore Gymkhana course requires massive improvement and innovation in course design to make it formidable in consonance with international standards. The only two courses at Lahore meeting some semblance of international standard circuit are The Defence Raya and Royal Palm courses. New PAF course with its challenging fairways and greens is a great addition to the bevy of courses at Lahore.

Let us encapsulate the events day wise. Day 1 was allocated for senior professionals, senior amateurs and veteran categories. The high watermark of the day was a hole in one by Abdul Nafay. His deft hybrid shot at hole 4 was unmatched by no one till the last day. He got a glittering Toyota Corolla in the end.

Golfers of yester years above 55 participate with relentless vigour reminiscent of the days gone by. As was evident from the low scoring and nail biting finishes they displayed lot of gusto. Veteran categories comprise the septuagenarian above 70 who display their golfing adroitness with tenacity and zest.

Old stalwarts and ever green UD Najmi clinched the veterans by a stroke adrift. Dr Zafar bagged the net segment. In senior amateurs category mostly comprising of sexagenarian’s age group the competition was even fiercer. Javed A Khan won the gross category by a solitary stroke over Tariq Mahmood. In net segment dark horse Major General Qasim Qureshi(QQ) at handicap 11 edged out Dr Khurram by a stroke a piece with net 69.

Number of keen lady golfer’s ladies entered the arena for a 36 holes encounter. Zahida Durrani broke away from the chasing pack and nearest challenger Ana James Gill by bagging the coveted gross prize. While Ana James Gill settled for the winner in net category.

In amateurs segment competition was nail biting and neck to neck. Trio of Ghazanfar (-1), Ist Gross Abdul Rehman 2nd gross and Saqib were in the run. However Mohsen Zafar came from behind to clinch 3rd Gross. Saqib buckled under pressure and shot 80. Ghazanfar remained unfazed by leading from the front eclipsing his nearest contenders by a convincing margin.

The gruelling, jaw opening and tantalizing duel amongst the professional category was centre of attraction. It was scintillating competition between two elite golfers Shabbir and Matloob. Shahid Javed who was leader on day 1 crumpled under pressure. Sterling performance by Pakistan’s Number 1 Shabbir who shot a mercurial 62 on day 2 completely stupefied rest of the pack. Shabbir stellar and sterling performance stole the limelight. His lead of over 10 strokes was invincible. He rode home eclipsing his nearest rival by 7 strokes.

His repertoire of strokes, deft iron play, thundering drives and finesse around the greens proved spellbinding. The birdies galore and eagle were the highlights of his phenomenal round of 62.

Overall a well organised event. Prize distribution ceremony was well attended.

Col Salman Aslam R&A Rules Qualified Rules Guru Level 1, Ex Treasurer PGA 2000-2008