KARACHI, Dec 24: The Caltex 36th Pakistan Open golf championship will tee off at the Karachi Golf Club on Thursday morning (Christmas Day).

This was mentioned by Arshad Nazar, managing director Caltex Oil (Pakistan) Ltd., at a press conference held on Wednesday at a local hotel. He told the newsmen present that the four day tournament will end on Dec 28 and around 160 golfers, 102 professionals and 56 amateurs are expected to be seen in action at the Pakistan Golf Club.

After the qualifying round which was held on Wednesday, only the top 50 golfers will be vying for the spoils.

Defending champion Shabbir Ahmed of Pakistan Navy and former champions Matloob Ahmed, Imdad Hussain, Taimur Hussain, M. Tahir and M. Munir are expected to be seen in action. In addition around 20 Senior professionals over the age of 50 will also take part in the championship.

The Inter-Association National Team Championship will also be staged during this championship where teams from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, NWFP and Federal Area will be playing each other. These matches will also see the top amateurs in the country such as Shahid Javed Khan, Vaqas Ahmed, Dr. Aimal Zaman, Tariq Mahmood, Taimur Hasan and Murtaza Qasim in action.

Caltex Oil (Pakistan) Ltd., is the sole sponsor of this tournament offering a total prize money of Rs.1,000,000, a substantial amount to promote the game of golf in the country.

In addition a 1300 CC Sedan will be awarded to the first professional who scores a hole-in-one. Also up for grabs is a special prize for the amateur who registers the first hole-in-one.