RAWALPINDI, Sept 13: The COAS Open golf championship will commence at Rawalpindi Golf Course on Thursday with a record prize money at stake for the professionals.

The prize money of the annual championship has been increased to Rs500,000.

“It is the highest prize money for a golf tournament at least in Rawalpindi,” claimed Col. Asad Mehmud, secretary of Rawalpindi Golf Club.

“This will also be the first tournament at this course after completion of major improvement works,” he said.

He said nearly 280 entries had already been received which may increase to 350 for the seven events to be played during the championship — professionals, senior professionals, amateurs, subsidiary match, seniors, ladies and juniors.

Shahid Haleem will defend his professionals crown while Hamza Amin will seek to retain the title trophy which will again be awarded on the basis of net scores (handicap 12 and below) in the amateurs event.

Asad said the other tournaments to feature at Rawalpindi Golf Club in the 2005-06 season are PIA Classic in December, PM Gold Medal in April next year and President Cup in May next year.—APP