KARACHI, July 23: The Chief of the Naval Staff Open Golf championships 2002 starts at the Karachi Golf Club, PNS Karsaz from July 25 to 28.

The championship which is being organised by the Pakistan Navy since 1995, has now become a regular, national annual feature in the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) calendar.

The four day, 72 holes tournament is expected to draw professionals and amateurs from almost 37 PGF affiliated clubs from all over the country.

Imdad Hussain of Pakistan Railways will be defending his title.

The prestigious event carries a cash purse of Rs 300,000 to be shared by top 30 professionals, with the winner pocketing Rs 52,050 and runner-up Rs 35,400.

The lucky professional to perform the rare feat of Hole-in-One will win a Toyota car. Besides lucrative prizes for the professionals, additional attractive prizes will be awarded in the amateurs category also.

The amateurs category to be played by players of handicap 12 and below, over 72 holes will also be played simultaneously. A golf set will be awarded to the player who performs the Hole-in-One in the amateur event.

Subsidiary events of seniors, ladies, and juniors will be played over 18 holes Saturday, while the veterans will play Friday over nine holes.