KARACHI: With an increased prize money, the eighth edition of the Bank Al Habib Rashid D. Memorial National Professional Golf Championship tees off from Thursday with 100 leading golfers from across the country taking part.

Tournament organisers announced on Wednesday that the prize money had been increased to Rs7.2million from Rs6million that was on offer last time around. Just like last year, a brand new Toyota car will be awarded to the first player who achieves a hole-in-one.

Last year’s edition saw history being made when Pakistan number one Shabbir Iqbal became the first golfer to retain his crown and he will start as favourite to clinch a hat-trick of titles once the 72-hole contest begins here at the Karachi Golf Club (KGC).

Last year was also the first time that the event was held over 72 holes. Then, Shabbir dominated from start to finish as he cruised to the title.

This time, though, he can expect tough competition from long-time rivals Mohammad Munir and Matloob Ahmed, two golfers who are coming into the tournament on the back of solid performances at the last event held at the KGC.

Munir and Matloob were Pakistan’s top two finishers, ahead of Shabbir, at the CNS Asian Tour Open Golf Championship in October — the first Asian Tour event in the country after 11 years.

“It certainly will act as a boost,” Munir, who was third at the CNS Open, told Dawn on Wednesday. “I’m looking forward to giving my best at the KGC again. I’ve been good in practice and the conditions seem to be good for golf.”

Matloob is similarly confident, especially after his stunning final-round performance at the CNS Open which saw him finish tied at fourth place.

“Of course I’m looking at my final-round performance during the CNS Open and I’m confident I can repeat that and probably go even better,” he told Dawn on Wednesday. “I’m really looking forward to the tournament.”

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2019