LAHORE: Parkha Ijaz of Defence Raya was in her elements on wednesday and performed superbly to light up the golf course with some accurate hitting and exquisite putting on the greens on the opening day of the 37th Punjab Open Golf Championship here at Defence raya Golf and Country Club Golf Course.

Thiis first day of the five-day golf eventwas allocated to the ladies event only which will be played over two rounds and 36 holes. The ladies event will conclude early Thursday.

The competitive activity on Thursday will also include events for the senior professionals, junior professionals and senior amateurs. However, from Friday to Sunday, it will be a battle for supremacy amongst the champion professionals and amateurs.

Parkha, through impressive application of golfing skills and a nerve free temperament she compiled a score of par 72 and appeared in full command. “I felt really good right through the first days 18 holes and I am so glad that I am the leader at the end of the first round,” she said.

In the fight for a top position in the gross category ,her nearest challenger is her own sister Rimsha Ijaz is placed six strokes behind the leader. Rimsha’s effort during the first round was notable and although she came across a few hiccups, she managed a score of gross 78 and is determined to improve her position on Thursday.

Others in line in gross section are Ghazala Yasmin (Garrison) at a score of 81 followed by Suneyah Osama (Garrison) 83, Humna Amjad (Kamra) 85, Ana James Gill (Royal Palm) 86 and Zebunnisa (Royal Palm) 87.

Net section leader also is Parkha Ijaz and after taking advantage of her handicap her net score is 65. At a score of net 71 jointly are Rimsha Ijaz and Shazadi Gulfam. Suneyah Osama is at net 72 and Dr Shaheen Irfan at net 74.

The second day will commence with an inaugral shot by Brig Sajjad Khokhar, Administrator DHA.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2018