KARACHI: Almost all prominent players of the country are expected to feature when the Rs 6.0 million UMA 20th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Open Golf Championship takes place at the Karachi Golf Club (KGC) from Aug 6 to 9.

Launched in 1995, the CNS Open, which is the richest-ever golfing event of the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) calendar, also marks completion of two decades.

The details of the event were unfolded by Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini at a media briefing held at the KGC on Monday. Commander PNS Bahadur Cdre Ali Abbas and chief executive of United Marine Agencies (UMA), the main sponsors of the event, Sohail Shams were prominent among others who were present on the occasion.

Throwing light on the contribution of Navy in the promotion of healthy activities Commander Karachi said he felt honoured that the sailors have excelled in a a number of sports both at home and abroad.

He also identified couple of disciplines namely sailing, rowing, canoeing, boxing, rifle shooting, taekwondo among others in which sailors have done Navy proud.

Arifullah Hussaini acknowledged the consistent support of sponsors and hoped the golfers will enjoy playing at the course and deliver their best.

He also declared the championship open amidst applause and later played a shot on the course.

Speaking on the occasion, Sohail Shams said the event has blossomed into the richest-ever golfing competition of the country due to the efforts of Navy, the KGC and the UMA.

He also urged the players to give their best in the four-day event.

At the outset, Ali Abbas disclosed that around 300 players from all over the country are likely to vie for honours in different categories.

While prize money for the Open event has been the same as that of last year, there’s slight increase of Rs100,000 from Rs 0.4 to Rs 0.5 million in the purse for the KGC caddies and semi-professionals.

For the first time, two return air tickets of any destination in the world will be at offer for the winners of pros (gross) and amateur (gross) besides two brand new cars for Hole-in-One in the two categories.

He said a CNS hockey tournament would soon be launched at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium.

Meanwhile, according to KGC club captain Rizwan Feroz, the course is in immaculate condition and hoped this will be the best event played so far.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2015

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