Salman Aslam

Antecedents of golfing rules can be traced to its inception in 1744 at Scotland. Over centuries they have undergone numerous changes. Rules were first crystalized in 1897 by the regulating body Royal & Ancient Golf Club Saint Andrews. With the passage of time rules kept on changing in conformity with dictates of equipment and course parameters. Eventually in 2016 it was decided to modify rules and make them more golfers friendly. USGA in collaboration with R&A decided to get input from all golfing community regarding proposed changes in the offing.

Based on recommendations modifications to rules have been unfurled effective 1st January 2019. Interestingly golf rule book has been slashed from 34 rules to 24. Golf is a game based on impeccable integrity of players. It is self-monitoring/self-umpiring based on etiquettes and good demeanour. It envisages even imposition of self-penalty for infringement of rules. For smooth conduct of game knowledge of rules is of paramount significance. I will be dwelling on the significant rule changes coming into effect for assimilation of all and sundry.

Following are the salient features which will have a pronounced bearing on the conduct of the game:- 

The unkindest cut of all is that knowledge and interpretation of golf rules leaves much to be desired. Resultantly ignorance of rules results in mutual waiver and compromise whose penalty is disqualification. The need of the hour warrants holding rules seminars and awareness drive among golfers to regulate game smoothly. Pool of rules wizards be formed to monitor national and international events. Selected golfers sent to R&A to qualify as International Level Rules Officials.

It gives me immense pleasure in welcoming aboard amidst our fold Former Head Security Punjab HBL Col Salman Aslam as our esteemed Chief Security Consultant. He brings forth plethora of experience in fields of corporate security, investigation of white-collar crime and continuous focus on proactive predictive management. A trendsetter, go-getter in all strata’s who excels in new-fangled ideas conception. This induction will bolster the efficaciousness of the company. His incisiveness perception, sagacity and candour will help in enhancing our image/reputation.

DIGIWATCH takes immense pride in provision of quality and impeccable services to our clientele. In present volatile scenario customer satisfaction is paramount. Our prime objective is to palliate the risks involved which hinge on threat assessments by pragmatic and viable solutions with minimal impact on a client’s operation.

Synopsis

a. Panache and Spheres of Dexterity
• Compilation of Security Compendium encompassing all facets based on SOPs.
• Issue of ready reckoners to banks serving as a beacon in dealing with likely scenarios to be encountered.
• Conduct of security appreciation, inspections, crisis management, surveys and SWOT analysis.
• Planning and overseeing deployment of entire realm of security tentacles.
• Conduct massive inspections/tours to oversee enforcement of SOPs.
• Overseeing and coordinating all facets of security apparatus like CCTV, BASMs, and patrolling.
• Pioneered vibrant concept of night guard less banking by use of RFIDs. Resultantly ensuring massive pruning of bank expenses.
• Conducting alarm testing exercises to ascertain viability and operational efficacy of alarm companies. Centralized issue of post-paid SIMs to bank branches to ensure BASMs remain operational under all adverse contingencies.
• Infusing, instilling and inculcating security awareness thrust amongst employees. Training to be imparted through security seminars/presentations and advisories.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Risk Management and security consultancy.
• Physical security assessment and security auditing inclusive of surveys.
• Writing of security compendiums, SOPs and analytical advisories.
• Production of new-fangled innovative concepts with stress on pruning expenses. Break chains of fixation and status quo by employment of advanced stratagems.
• Massive experience in all facets of security risk assessment, surveillance, emergency response plan and crime deterrence.
• To preclude possibility of threats likely to emanate by weaving a well-orchestrated response ensuring risk mitigation.
• Spearhead and vanguard new innovative concepts in banking industry. Resultantly culminating in pruning excessive expenses.
• Articulation of a well contrived fire suppression system in conjunction with other security tentacles.

Security solutions encompassing following facets:-

• Avant-gardism and cutting edge in innovative corporate security spectrum.
• Security surveys and assessment.
• SWOT analysis and vulnerability perception.
• Security training and audits.
• Risk and operational security by provision of integrated holistic solutions.
• Provision of visionary, all embracing and prudent security panacea for all security related issues.
• Adroitness in compilation of SOPs and Bank Security Dossier.
• Integrated security framework to assuage underlying risk factors.

Security Paraphernalia and Accoutrements

• Fire Detection and Suppression Systems. • Assortment of a wide range of latest CCTV equipment.
• Burglar Alarm Monitoring Systems (BASM).
• Smart Home applications.
• Vanguard in provision of latest locking arrangements.
• Expertise in construction of CCTV Control Rooms.
• Monitoring of offsite ATMs.
• Provision of Maintenance Services for CCTV and BASM.
• Residential security solutions.
• Warehouse and mortgaged property security.
• Capability for provision of security apparatus on rental basis to high-profile clientele.
• Visitor Management and Access Controls. Guard less branches monitoring concept.
• Traffic Regulation and Management Solutions.
• Financial and White Collar Crime Investigation.

The grand finale of the PGF Golfing Calendar 2018 as far as Punjab was concerned was holding the prestigious 37th Punjab Open from 21-25 March 2018. The venue again was the opulent, ethereal and majestic Raya Golf Club DHA Lahore. The well nestled and ensconced golf course itself was a challenge for all. Undoubtedly this course is quintessential as far as maintenance and degree of difficulty is concerned. Albeit by all means it can boast of being a course par excellence. Its lightning fast greens measured by the strip meter were in range of 11.

After torrential deluge a day earlier weather was excellent for golf. Fairways were verdant, immaculate and pristine. Bunkers had the finest sand available for exquisite sand saves. Tees were flat, well mowed and manicured. Greens hold was superb with lot of backspin as flop shot by lob wedges resulted in lot of backspin. This bespeaks of the tremendous effort put in maintaining such a high quality golf course.

The setting of the event cloistered 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 were a common feature for even the most adept. Pin placements were treacherous coupled with massive undulations which were hard to cope. The event was spread over 5 days from 21-25 March 2018. Additional day allocated for subsidiary matches, senior amateurs and senior pros. By all reckoning course was well maintained as per international standards.

Day 1 dedicated to rounds by senior pros, Ladies and senior amateurs. Main feature was the Senior Amateurs segment dominated by Tariq Mahmood golfer of formidable class and stature. Displaying vintage golfing attributes he again took centre stage by eclipsing Imran Ahmed from Gymkhana by a solitary stroke. Javed Khan bagged 3rd slot in gross. The net honours winner was a complete surprise in form of Brig Zahid Maqbool Zippy who tamed his nearest rivals Abdul Haseeb and Kang Chong Jinn. He exploited his handicap of 14 and paced his game well.

In the senior pro segment champions of last century displayed repository of strokes and deftness in short game. Akhtar Ali of Lahore Gymkhana emerged as the winner with gross 71. Imdad and Akram with identical scores fell out of reckoning as winner was declared on best scores of last 3 holes.

In Ladies category of handicaps 24 and below it was dominated by Parkha Ijaz right from the outset with phenomenal rounds of 72 on both days. Humnah Amjad clinched 2nd gross followed by vintage golfer of yester years Ghazala Yasmin 3rd gross. In net section Suneyah Osama of Garrison was declared net winner followed by Ana James Gill and Shazadi Gulfam.

There is a dire need for another day for senior pros and amateurs. 36 holes would prove to be a real acid test for these vintage golfers.

This event was the culmination point for the pros. Those demonstrating mastery in surmounting the slopes, deceptive greens and Bermuda grass remained in the hunt. Rest perished ignominiously. Course is ensconced within the boundaries of residential houses at the periphery. From tee to the green lateral water hazards meander in a zig zag manner interspersed with undulations and slopes. Gradient and incline at places is pronounced. Types of slope are side hill, ball above and below feet. Out of bounds and lateral water hazards skirt the fairways posing ominous threat to tarnish score cards. Best course strategy and management entails hitting away from the hazards.

To cater for the slopes alterations in stance, ball position and type of shot favoured have to be kept in mind. Those who made optimum use of slopes and humps fared well. They trapped their ball in such manner that ball trickled close to the hole for a birdies galore. Fade and draw adjustments have to be made. Wind factor also comes into play. To add to the litmus test fairways are studded and straddled with deep bunkers. Further on the greens are jealously guarded by a maze of Redan and circumvallation type of bunkers. Ultra-fast greens with grading speed 12 further compounds the misery of the average golfer.

In the backdrop of this ominous scenario Punjab Open commenced. Those exhibiting dexterity and adroitness in combating these challenges stood out from the rest of the pack. To steal the honours players of vintage level required forte in all facets of the game. Top laurels belong to those with a complete repertoire of strokes in their armoury. This entailed hitting maximum fairways, hitting greens in regulation with deft irons, mastery in green speed reading and drilling putts. Apart from this scrambling pars and sand saves. The finishing 18th hole is indeed the toughest signature hole to crack with a most intricate pin placement on final day. Another feature of this picturesque course is elongated lateral water hazards skirting the fairways. To further add misery for the pack they narrow down precariously making approach shot making perilous and marring scorecards atrociously.

In backdrop of two resounding victories Number 1 golfer Shabbir Iqbal was the hot favourite and reigning champion. Yet again he proved his mettle by some stunning golf entirely stupefying the field. With a birdie blitz he carded a 66 on day 1. On day 2 his score was a modest 71.

He cemented his position as number 1 golfer of Pakistan. The year has been a resounding and pulsating one for Shabbir as he sought to extend his string of victories culminating at a triumphant note. Shabbir committed minimum cardinal errors. Lest a few fauxpas. Shabbirs course management was flawless as he finished the closing stretch unrattled. Nearest contender was Matloob of Garrison in second slot followed by Hamza Amin son of illustrious golfer Taimur Hassan. Both these golfers are playing steady golf and have the capability to upstage Shabbir.

The sponsors were motley of major bankers with Hondas up for grabs for an ace. In amateurs category dominance of Ghazanfar Mahmud was ominously threatened by Taimur of Peshawar followed by Khawaja Ahsan, Robin Bagh and Saqib. Event was planned and conducted with precision par excellence by scorer Nauman. Ahmed Zafar Hayat regained his former glorious form by carding a 74. He frittered his chances with a dismal 82 on day 2. Fakhar Imam of Raya demonstrated exquisite golfing as usual despite his involvement in organizing the tournament. Worst score of 118 gross was recorded by one of the professionals. Absence of Ahmed Baig Pakistan’s newest find and sensation was felt as degree of ferocity of competitiveness would have increased manifold.

Final Day: On final day amateurs segment honours went to Taimur Hassan of Peshawar with a convincing margin of 4 strokes over Robin Bagh who relegated Ghazanfar Hussain to 3rd slot by a solitary stroke. Net winner was Danish Javed net 220 followed by Khawaja Ahsan net 221. Weather was ideal for golf and low scoring. The field was star studded. Competitive levels fierce. There was no paucity of time. Consequently event was orchestrated with clock like precision and synchronization. The main attraction was the professionals vying for the top slot and hefty prize money. Shabbir Iqbal fresh from his spectacular victory by a resounding margin at Gymkhana continues to ride the high crest of glory being a hot favourite to retain his crown. Matloob was a threat to reckon with by continually bearing down his neck to wrest number 1 slot. Their rivalry continues.

The grand finale the pros match commenced in a melodramatic fashion. Shabbir set the pace with a pulverizing and electrifying round of 66 and setting the field ablaze. Day 2 was a day of vacillating fortunes. Shabbir did not match his earlier tantalizing score and settled for a 71. Matloob and Hamza Amin led charge of the light brigade by posting steady scores and came within a stroke adrift of Shabbir. A promising golfer from Raya Muhammad Alam and Munir also remained in the hunt. Other performances were lacklustre.

Crowning glory on the 3rd proved decisive. Matloob of Garrison avenged his earlier defeats with an electrifying performance carding gross 68 on final day. Hamza Amin again wilted and buckled under pressure carding a dismal 79. Nevertheless the most electrifying and spell binding performance came from Matloob who dethroned last year’s winner Shabbir Iqbal. Alam from Raya clinched 3rd position

In the end it was Matloob who grabbed the honours to be crowned Punjab Open Champ 2018. Matloob proved beyond any iota of doubt his vast supremacy over the rest of the field. He showed complete mastery in all facets of the game. He replicated all strokes under pressure. Matloob exhibited vast repository of shots in his armoury. Nailed his tee shots, hit maximum greens in regulation plus scrambling and sand saves for par were indeed phenomenal. Putting was also ultra-precise and workmanlike. The champ remained composed and cool during extreme pressure. This sterling attribute separates him from the entire field. Richly deserves to win his 2nd tournament of the golfing circuit.

The prize distribution was grand affair graced by President PGF Lt Gen Mian Hilal Hussain himself an avid golfing enthusiast.

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.

Quaid e Azam Open Golf tournament was held from 9th to -11th February 2018 at the opulent and majestic Lahore Gymkhana Club course. The magnanimously sponsored golfing extravaganza was of 3 days duration. Event was meticulously planned and conducted in a befitting manner. Event unfortunately clashed with Garrison Open Golf being held concurrently at Garrison Golf Club.

Consequently the amateurs were split between the two tournaments. Seniors and some ladies manged to squeeze in as garrison event were spread over 4 days with a cushion space. Pakistan’s new golfing sensation Ahmed Baig fresh from his victory at Qatar opted to play at garrison and won by a whopping 12 strokes. Some semblance of coordination is required to ensure that competition dates are staggered. The main feature of Quaid e Azam Amateur was its return to the golfing calendar after lapse of many years. Golf Committee deserves accolade for its return. The other feature was that coveted trophy was to be played on best net score. Entry of 18 handicapper’s having tremendous incentive to win was indeed encouraging.

The sponsors offered really lucrative prizes as an additional incentive.

Weather was ideal for golf and low scoring. The field was star studded. Competitive levels fierce. There was no paucity of time. Consequently event was orchestrated with clock like precision and synchronization. The main attraction fell in the net category vying for the top slot and elusive trophy..

The match commenced in a melodramatic fashion. Dark horses shot low scores owing to inflated handicaps warranting revision. Amateurs were divided into two segments of handicaps 0-9 and 10-18. Scintillating rounds in low 70s by Ghazanfar and Rehman outclassed field in gross category. 

Day 2 was a day of vacillating fortunes. Ameer Khawar from Sialkot a 9 handicapper came from behind and shot the best round of net 65 and stole the limelight and won the prestigious Quaid e Azam trophy. Scoring was high and erratic on day 2 as golfers cracked under pressure with dismal rounds.

It was ironic that a 9 handicap player won the tournament. In the past the honours went to golfers in 14-18 categories. In 10-18 segment Dr Dildar Chaudhry won convincingly by 6 strokes over the chasing pack.

Others who made a charge were Ahmed Jib ran and Robin Bagh. Other performances were lacklustre. Nevertheless the most electrifying and spell binding performance came from Sialkot’s Ameer Khawar who shot a mercurial gross 74.

He proved beyond any iota of doubt his vast supremacy over the rest of the field. He showed complete mastery in all facets of the game. He replicated all strokes under pressure. He exhibited vast array of shots in his armoury. Nailed his tee shots, hit maximum greens in regulation plus scrambling and sand saves for par were indeed phenomenal. Putting was also ultra-precise and workmanlike. The champ remains unruffled and unfazed during extreme pressure. This sterling attribute separates him from the entire field. In the senior amateur category champs of the yesteryears grappled for the senior’s title. Veteran golfer Imran Ahmed of Gymkhana eclipsed Omer Farooq and Dr Javed to win gross prize. Net honours went to Hamid Sharif of Royal Palm.

In the ladies competition 22 ladies entered the arena with maximum handicap of 36. Sister duo of Parkha Ijaz and Rimsha Ijaz outclassed the field which included former champions Ghazala Yasmin. Parkha score of gross 78 speaks volumes about her passion for golf. Rest of the field was completely annihilated. Shezadi Gulfam another vintage golfer stood first in net segment.

Prize Distribution ceremony was well organised and attended. The event proved to be a resounding success. Prizes were distributed by Chairman Lahore Gymkhana Kamran Lashari.

The elite golf tournament was held under aegis of LGG&CC from 8th to 11 February 2018. The setting, ambience and atmosphere were festive and frolicsome at the pristine, manicured and well maintained golf course. The star studded field attracted top professionals on the countries elitist golfing circuit. The event was spread-eagled over 4 days. One day especially allotted to cater for subsidiary, veteran and seniors event. The event attracted nearly 60 professionals. Other categories were amateurs, senior amateurs, ladies and senior pros. As part of a talent hunt venture juniors event was also held. Youngsters exhibited exceptional an extraordinary golfing repertoire. In Pakistan there is no dearth of talent at the grassroots level. Unfortunately it needs to be tapped and explored. Additional attractions were a subsidiary match and a senior officer invitational. Main sponsors of the event were Suzuki which offered a glittering Suzuki Ciaz for an ace.

Being an Open Event main contest was in the professional’s category. The professional category contest was excruciatingly neck to neck ending in a nail biting fashion. Amateur’s participation ad turnout was low as an amateur’s event was being held side by side at Lahore Gymkhana. PGF must ensure that 2 events on same dates are not held in the same city.

Only 11 players in the field played sub-par rounds. As anticipated Shabbir Iqbal dominated the proceedings from the outset. His closest rival Munir, Matloob and Hamza Amin buckled and wilted under pressure. Lowest recorded score was 66 by 3 players including Hamza Amin son of Taimur Amin a former golfing giant of Pakistan. 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. This time he had only 2 sub-par rounds.

Munir, Hamza and Matloob of Garrison were close at his heels wilted under pressure against cool demeanour of the champion. Water hazards on 16th and 18th marring their score cards. Aggregate of 206 -10 was the winning score. Margin of victory was 4 strokes over His team mate from Islamabad Muhammad Munir who edged out Hamza by a solitary stroke.

Matloob from Garrison could not find his deftness and touch around the apron and was over shadowed by a phenomenal round of 69 by Shahid Javed Khan. Rest of the pack displayed lacklustre performances on fringe of mediocrity.

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. In the amateurs gross category competition was even fiercer. Ahmed Baig Pakistan’s golfing sensation outclassed the field by a massive margin ofv12 strokes and 2 sub-par rounds bespoke of his dexterity. This was reflective of the tenacity, resoluteness and focus of players till the last stroke.

In amateurs net segment old guard Lt Col Shafi eclipsed the field by displaying steady golf. Champions of yester years were in the hunt for glory in senior’s amateurs and professional category. Lt Col Ikram WC Umar and Haseeb shared the honours in this category. Former champions Mehmood Kayani playing a phenomenal sub-par round of 69 followed by Akhtar Ali also displayed their adroitness in senior pros segment. Another segment senior veterans over 70 years of age comprised septuagenarians golfers of the last few decades displayed their prowess, finesse and suppleness in their swings. Mian Farooq Sheikh emerging outright winner followed by vintage golfers Brig Amanullah Niazi and Shahid Mehboob.

17 ladies entered the arena for the coveted gross and net categories played over 36 holes. Former national champ Ghazala Yasmin with an enviable 5 handicap was eclipsed by the sister duo of Rimsha and Parka. The margin of victory was only a solitary stroke.

Prize distribution was a well-attended and impressive ceremony graced by the Corps Commander Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz. Event on the whole was well organised and the management deserve kudos. Sponsors also warrant recognition for playing a pivotal role in promotion of golf. In recognition of the stellar performance of Ahmed Baig at Qatar PGF gave a magnanimous grant of 1(M) followed by0.3 (M) by PGA. This bespeaks of the degree of incentive for upcoming golfers of the country.

Massive changes are required to make the course more challenging in consonance with international circuits. Undulations, water hazards, and bunkers need to be added. Area round 50 yards fringe and apron was devoid of grass where one could see pros using putters to avoid chunks and shanks. There were complaints encompassing this portion where lob wedges are used for the flop shot. Relaying of greens and high quality grass in fairways is warranted badly. It is proposed that senior’s amateur event should be at least 36 holes as per PGF policy.