LAHORE, June 30: The Pakistan Open golf offering prize money of $200,000 will be held, most probably in Karachi, from Jan 26 to 29 next. The Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) secretary Taimur Hasan said on Thursday in all an amount of US$350,000 including the prize money would be spent to organise the competition.

He said that the venue for the competition would be decided by the end of July. The secretary said that a delegation of the Asian Tour Development had visited four venues in two cities — Karachi, Lahore — a few days back. After receiving their report the venue would be decided, he said.

Lahore Gymkhana, Royal Palm Golf Club, Lahore, Arabian Sea Golf Club and Karsaz Club from Karachi could be the possible venues for the mega-event.

However, according to a condition of the Asian Tour Development, the venue must be able to hold 12 hours play in a day which is not possible in Lahore due to early sunset in the month of January. This makes Karachi likely venue.

The two-member delegation of Asian Tour Development which visited the venues comprised Peter Young and Irfan Hyder.

PGF official said efforts were being made to generate funds through sponsorship and added it would meet the target well on time.