Salman Aslam

The grand finale of the PGF Golfing Calendar 2014 was the prestigious Punjab Open. Ironically for the first time the venue was shifted from Gujranwala to Raya Golf Club DHA after a long time. The well nestled and ensconced golf course itself was a challenge for all. Undoubtedly this course reigns supreme as far as maintenance and degree of difficulty is concerned. Its lightning fast greens measured by the strip meter were in range of 12. Design parameters of the course have been set at international standard.

The setting of the event cloistered and beset with a labyrinth of obstacles and merciless rough proved to be an acid test for golfers of all stature/abilities. For most it was the proverbial Waterloo. They vanquished into total disarray. 3-4 putts on greens werea common feature for even the most adept. Pin placements were treacherous coupled with massive undulations which were hard to cope with based on my own experiences. The event was spread over 4 days from 18-21 December 2014. Additional day allocated for subsidiary matches, senior amateurs and pros. By all reckoning course was well maintained as per international standards.

This time the event was unique and epoch making. The championship was upgraded for the first time to open category after 23 years. Professionals entered the event in droves and prize money was phenomenal. It was a grand finale to the golfing calendar of 2014-15 for LGG&CC. The atmosphere was stunning and awesome. The entire cantonment was adorned, embellished and bedecked with massive posters. Club itself was emblazoned and gave an aura of festivity and carnival like ambiance. The razzle–dazzles and hustle bustle really was staggering. The entire event was programmed with clock like precision. Souvenir’s and mementos were generous which exhibited the extravaganza of the sponsors. Golf aficionados and connoisseurs really had a bash. Newly laid alfresco barbecue garden with its mouth-watering dishes was a treat for the gluttons and epicurean alike.

Taking a cue from previous matches tourney was held over 4 days. Thus the clogging of tee timings was avoided. Pace of play was swift with no hold ups. Procedure at par 3 call holes was stringently observed. There were no hiccups and snags. Special events for junior golfers were also staged to bolster golf amongst the young aspirants. Talent hunt needs to be geared.

Garrison Golf Club at Lahore has made deep inroads into the world of gourmands. Setting is phenomenal and breath-taking. In the backdrop of a picturesque blue lagoon, shrouded with blue lights cascade the water front is an ambiance par excellence. Crystal blue waters of the lake further bolster the awesome aura. Gazebos offer exquisite family dining with a soiree setting. Atmosphere is homely and cuisine offered is buffet and barbecue right from the pit. Redoubt provides a panoramic view of the course all around. Easily accessible with massive parking bays available make it an attractive spot for epicureans.

This outlet has really invigorated the rather dull atmosphere infusing lot of night dining and an ideal environment for family bon Viv ants. Waiters were dressed immaculately. Service was super-fast. An assortment of dishes was offered which really were mouth-watering, aromatic and appetite quenching.Managed by the burly and efficient F&B Manager Khurram was true image of the natty gritty involved in the resounding success of this feature? Connoisseurs grading on a Michelin scale 1-10. Food quality and taste eight. Service seven. Crockery setting and display a staggering eight on the scale. Ambience and aura stole the limelight with an enviable nine. Overall atmosphere an eight stands justified. Most importantly the prices are more than reasonable.

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.

This event was the high tide and culminating point of golfing season prior to advent of Ramzan. It was a grand finale to the golfing calendar of 2016-17 for LGG&CC. The atmosphere was stunning and phenomenal. The sweltering heat took its toll on the players’ especially the older geriatrics. The entire cantonment was adorned, embellished and bedecked with massive posters. Club itself was emblazoned and gave an aura of festivity and carnival like ambiance. The razzle –dazzles and hustle bustle really was staggering. The entire event was programmed with clocklike precision. Souvenir’s and mementos were generous which exhibited the extravaganza of the sponsors. No one scored an ace much to the relief of hole in one car sponsors. Golf aficionados and connoisseurs really had a bash. The new committee of management led by the gunners were steadfast to their motto of precision and meticulousness.

The conduct of the competition was par excellence. Kudos and accolade for the gunners for their superb conduct. Pace of play was swift with no hold ups. Procedure at par 3 call holes was stringently observed. Rules committee did a good job monitoring and rambling on the course. There were no hiccups and snags. Special events for junior golfers were also staged to bolster golf amongst the young aspirants. Talent hunt needs to be geared. There is a need to have rules & etiquette seminars to infuse and instill familiarity with the games rulings and decisions. Panel of referees must be formed at PGA and PGF level to monitor all events.

J Zaman family sponsored golf tournament kicked off at the pristine, manicured and closely mowed lightning greens of Lahore Gymkhana. Weather pundits’ predictions were true promising a highly favourable golfing environment. Golfing arrangements were immaculate and meticulously monitored. To ensure snag free golf with minimal holdups forecaddies were detailed as ball pointers. This was instrumental in keeping pace of play as lost ball time losses were minimal.

Another underlying feature has been allocation of an additional day to cater for subsidiary, seniors, veteransand 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.